Aadhaar Issuance Halted: Assam government stops issuing Aadhaar cards to adults, citing concerns over illegal immigration

GUWAHATI, India – In a move with significant political and social ramifications, the Assam government has decided to halt the issuance of new Aadhaar cards to all adults, effective immediately. The government has cited serious concerns that the unique identity document is being obtained by individuals whose citizenship status is under question, thereby bypassing the ongoing and complex National Register of Citizens (NRC) process.

The controversial decision comes after a high-level review meeting where officials noted a surge in Aadhaar applications. The government fears that providing Aadhaar to individuals who may not be genuine Indian citizens could grant them access to a wide range of government welfare schemes and services, thereby legitimizing their presence in the state.

The Rationale and Controversy

A senior government official stated that the decision is a "temporary but necessary step" to safeguard the state's demography and prevent the misuse of the Aadhaar system. "We cannot allow a parallel process to undermine the sanctity of the NRC, which has been conducted at immense cost and effort," the official said. The government's argument is that Aadhaar, a proof of residence and identity, should not be issued to those who have failed to prove their citizenship through the NRC.

The move has drawn immediate criticism from opposition parties and civil rights groups. They argue that halting the issuance of Aadhaar, a document mandated for a vast number of services, will cause immense hardship to millions of genuine citizens, many of whom have yet to receive their Aadhaar cards. They contend that the decision amounts to a violation of the right to identity and access to welfare schemes for legitimate residents.

Political and Legal Fallout

The Assam government’s decision is expected to face a significant legal challenge. Legal experts have pointed out that the Aadhaar Act does not link the issuance of the unique ID to citizenship, but rather to residency. Opposition leaders have called the move "discriminatory" and an attempt to marginalize communities.

The issue highlights the long-standing tension between national security concerns and the rights of individuals in Assam. As the state government stands firm on its decision to prioritize the integrity of its citizenship verification process, the move is likely to intensify the political debate over identity, citizenship, and the rights of residents in the sensitive border state.