Assam Cabinet Introduces Stricter Aadhaar Checks to Curb Illegal Immigration

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The Assam cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has decided to introduce stricter checks for Aadhaar registration in the state. This decision is part of a broader effort to prevent the misuse of Aadhaar and to curb illegal immigration. Here are the key details and consequences of this decision:

1. New Verification Guidelines:
   • The Assam Cabinet has approved a new Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for Aadhaar enrollment. This SoP will implement stricter checks to ensure that only legitimate residents of Assam can obtain an Aadhaar card.
   • All new applicants for Aadhaar cards in Assam will be required to submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application numbers. This is to ensure that only those who have applied for inclusion in the NRC can get an Aadhaar card.

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2. Enhanced Verification Process:
   • The new guidelines will enhance the verification process by requiring additional documentation and verification steps to confirm the identity and residency of applicants.
   • The state government aims to streamline the enrollment process and ensure that Aadhaar cards are issued only to genuine residents of Assam.

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3. Impact on Illegal Immigrants:
   • The stricter checks are designed to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Aadhaar cards, which can be used for various purposes, including securing employment and accessing government services.
   • This move is part of the state's ongoing efforts to identify and take action against illegal immigrants, particularly those from Bangladesh.
4. Legal and Administrative Measures:
   • The state government has directed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to issue Aadhaar cards to eligible residents while ensuring that the process is free from fraud and misuse.
   • The state administration will conduct regular audits and checks to ensure compliance with the new guidelines and to identify any fraudulent activities related to Aadhaar enrollment.
5. Public and Political Reactions:
   • The decision has received mixed reactions from the public and political circles. While some support the move as a necessary step to protect the state's demographic integrity, others criticize it for potentially complicating the lives of genuine residents and delaying the issuance of Aadhaar cards.

Overall, the stricter checks for Aadhaar in Assam are a significant step towards ensuring that the Aadhaar system is used correctly and that it does not facilitate illegal activities or immigration. The state government is committed to implementing these measures rigorously to achieve the desired outcomes.