Assam Cabinet Approves New Aadhaar Restrictions

In a major move to prevent fraudulent Aadhaar enrollment, the Assam government has decided to freeze issuance of Aadhaar for first-time adult applicants from October 1, 2025. The step comes as part of a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) targeting illegal immigrants attempting to obtain Aadhaar.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who first announced the plan in June, stated that all new Aadhaar applications must be verified by district administrative heads. Citizens above 18 years of age who do not yet have a 12-digit Aadhaar number will get a final one-month window until September 30, 2025 to apply.

Extended Enrollment for SC, ST, and Tea Tribes

Special provisions have been made for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and tea tribe communities, giving them an extra year to complete Aadhaar registration. After the general deadline, only Deputy Commissioners will have the authority to approve enrollment in rare cases, based on reports from police, special branch, and foreigners’ tribunals.

CM Sarma noted that Aadhaar coverage in Assam has already exceeded 103% of the state population, with 4% of SC, ST, and tea tribes still unregistered.

Government Focuses on Illegal Immigration

The Assam government’s decision follows an increase in illegal entries from Bangladesh, particularly over the past year. CM Sarma emphasized:

“We recently intercepted seven illegal entrants. While we may not have caught all, this measure will prevent illegal residents from obtaining Aadhaar and living as Indian citizens. We want to close that loophole completely.”

Assam’s Aadhaar Policy: Most Restrictive in India

The new rules make Assam’s Aadhaar policy the strictest in the country, reflecting concerns about illegal immigration and demographic changes. Other northeastern states, including Manipur, are also implementing tight verification processes for Aadhaar applicants.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides guidelines to maintain identity integrity, but allows states to adapt enforcement measures based on local challenges.

Key Highlights

• Aadhaar issuance frozen for first-time adult applicants from October 1, 2025

• Final one-month window for general applicants until Sept 30

• SC, ST, and tea tribes get one-year extension

• Enrollment beyond deadline approved only in rare cases by Deputy Commissioners

• Assam Aadhaar coverage exceeds 103% of population

• Measure targets illegal immigrants from Bangladesh

• Assam policy now most restrictive in India