Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns: ‘No NRC application number, no Aadhaar issuance’

PTC News Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that new applicants for Aadhaar cards in the state will now need to provide their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number. This step is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of illegal immigration.

Addressing a press conference, Sarma expressed concern over the rising number of Aadhaar applications in Assam, which have surpassed the state’s projected population, raising fears of fraudulent applications. He pointed out that in at least four districts, the number of Aadhaar card holders exceeds the population, which he called a “worrying” trend.

“Applications for Aadhaar cards are more than the population… This suggests there are doubtful citizens. We have decided that new applicants must submit their NRC application receipt number,” Sarma said. The Chief Minister emphasized that this measure aims to curb the illegal influx of people into Assam, making the Aadhaar registration process more stringent in the state.

Sarma highlighted Dhubri district as an area of particular concern, where Aadhaar cards have been issued beyond the district’s population. “Maybe some suspected people got Aadhaar cards,” he said, underscoring the need for stricter verification.

A formal notification on the new rule is expected within the next 10 days, Sarma added. “If you don’t apply for NRC, you won’t get an Aadhaar card in the new process.” However, this regulation will not apply to tea garden areas. Starting October 1, stricter rules will be enforced in other districts for adult applicants.

Sarma also clarified that the 9.55 lakh people whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process will not be required to provide an NRC receipt to obtain their Aadhaar cards. They will receive their cards without additional conditions.

The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to intensifying efforts to identify illegal immigrants. He revealed that over the last two months, several individuals from Bangladesh had been caught and handed over to authorities.