New Applicants for Aadhaar in Assam Need to Submit NRC Application Receipt Number: Himanta

Guwahati: In a move aimed at curbing the issue of illegal immigrants, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that all new applicants for Aadhaar cards in the state must now submit their NRC Application Receipt Number (ARN). Sarma revealed the new mandate during a press conference in Guwahati, highlighting the concern over the state's Aadhaar applications exceeding the population count.

Stricter Aadhaar Application Process

"This discrepancy indicates the presence of doubtful citizens," Sarma stated, explaining that the new requirement would help "stop the influx of illegal foreigners." He further added that the state government would enforce strict measures to ensure Aadhaar cards are issued only to legitimate residents.

"It will not be easy to get Aadhaar in Assam ," the Chief Minister emphasized.

The rule, however, does not apply to the 9.55 lakh individuals whose biometrics were locked during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process. These people will still receive their Aadhaar cards, Sarma clarified.

Additionally, Sarma reiterated his government's commitment to intensifying the identification of illegal foreigners, citing the recent apprehension of several Bangladeshi nationals, who were later handed over to the authorities of the neighboring country.

(With PTI inputs)