Key Points
- Aadhaar-NRC Linkage: Assam will reject Aadhaar applications if the applicant or their family is not listed in the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
- Crackdown on Infiltration: The decision comes amid growing concerns over infiltration from Bangladesh, with multiple arrests reported in recent months.
- Verification Protocol: A strict multi-level verification system has been established involving local Circle Officers and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
- Exceptions for Employees: Central government employees working in other states are exempt from this rule.
- Land Revenue Relief: Manual land revenue payments will resume to assist small farmers and landowners struggling with digital payments.
Guwahati: In a significant move aimed at curbing infiltration from Bangladesh, the Assam government has tightened its policy on linking Aadhaar cards with the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Aadhaar applications will be rejected if the applicant or their family has not applied for inclusion in the NRC.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in response to concerns over increased infiltration attempts. “In the last two months, Assam Police, Tripura Police, and the BSF have intercepted a large number of infiltrators. This issue requires immediate action to safeguard Assam’s security,” Sarma stated during a press conference.
Stringent Verification Process
The Assam government has established a robust verification mechanism to enforce the new rule. Upon receiving Aadhaar applications, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will forward them to the state government. The verification process will involve:
- Initial Check: Local Circle Officers will confirm if the applicant or their family has applied for inclusion in the NRC.
- Field Verification: If an NRC application exists, field-level verification will be conducted under Supreme Court guidelines.
- Final Approval: Aadhaar will only be issued after the officer is fully satisfied with the applicant’s credentials.
If no NRC application is found, the Aadhaar request will be rejected immediately, and a report will be sent to the Central government.
Exemptions for Government Employees
The Chief Minister clarified that central government employees working in other states, who have not applied for NRC, will not be subject to these stringent rules.
Addressing Land Revenue Challenges
In addition to the Aadhaar-NRC decision, the cabinet also addressed the challenges faced by small farmers and landowners. The manual system for land revenue payments, which was phased out in favor of digital payments last year, will now be reinstated alongside the digital system. “Many farmers and poor landowners struggled with online payments. We are reintroducing the manual system to ease their burden,” Sarma said.
The Assam government’s new Aadhaar-NRC policy marks a decisive step in combating infiltration while ensuring a secure identification system. With strict verification protocols and provisions for exemptions, the state aims to balance security concerns with administrative efficiency. Additionally, the move to resume manual land revenue payments highlights the government’s efforts to address grassroots challenges faced by its citizens.
