New Aadhaar Must Submit NRC Number in Assam

Introduction

In a recent announcement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that all new applicants for Aadhaar cards in  Assam must submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number (ARN). This requirement will be enforced starting from October 1, with the aim of tightening controls on Aadhaar card issuance in the state to prevent the influx of illegal foreigners.

New Aadhaar Application Rules

Chief Minister Sarma stated that a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be developed for the new Aadhaar application process in Assam. The mandatory submission of the NRC ARN is intended to ensure that Aadhaar cards are issued only to eligible citizens. According to Sarma, “Applications for Aadhaar cards are more than the population…It indicates that there are doubtful citizens, and we have decided that new applicants will have to submit their NRC application receipt number (ARN).”

Exceptions to the Rule

The submission of the NRC ARN will not apply to the 9.55 lakh individuals whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process. These individuals will be eligible to receive their Aadhaar cards without submitting their ARN, Sarma clarified. Additionally, the rule will not affect residents in the tea garden areas due to practical challenges such as the lack of adequate biometric machines.

Focus on Specific Districts

Sarma highlighted that certain districts in Assam have reported a higher number of Aadhaar card applications than their total projected population. The districts of Barpeta, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon have recorded application rates of 103.74%, 103%, and 101% respectively, raising concerns about the legitimacy of these applications.

Preventing the Influx of Illegal Foreigners

The Assam government’s decision to mandate the submission of the NRC application receipt number aims to curb the “influx of illegal foreigners.” Sarma emphasized that the state government will be “very strict” in issuing Aadhaar cards, as a measure to prevent illegal immigrants from acquiring official documentation. According to the Chief Minister, recent reports indicate a rise in the detection of illegal immigrants, necessitating increased efforts to identify and repatriate these individuals.

Enhanced Border Surveillance

To bolster the state’s security measures, Sarma announced plans to strengthen border surveillance and patrolling in areas under the jurisdiction of border outposts. Enhanced coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other central agencies will facilitate seamless information sharing and joint operations, aimed at preventing illegal border crossings.

Role of District Commissioners

Chief Minister Sarma also mentioned that new Aadhaar cards will be issued only after a no-objection certificate is provided by the concerned district commissioner. This certificate will be issued after a thorough examination of the applicant’s details. “If the applicant has the NRC ARN, it becomes clear that they were in the state before 2014,” Sarma explained.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that all the new applicants for Aadhaar cards have to submit their National Register of Citizens, NRC application receipt numbers. Talking to newspersons in Guwahati today, he said that the move would help in stopping the influx of illegal foreigners.

Conclusion

The new Aadhaar application rules in Assam, requiring the submission of the NRC application receipt number, reflect the state government’s commitment to preventing illegal immigration. With stricter measures and enhanced border security, Assam aims to ensure that Aadhaar cards are issued only to eligible citizens, thereby addressing the ongoing concerns about illegal foreigners in the state.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on current announcements and government statements as of the date of publication. The rules and procedures mentioned are subject to change as per the state government’s decisions. Readers are advised to stay updated with official notifications for the latest guidelines

Ex RG Kar Principals Criminal Nexus