New Delhi, Jun 13: The Assam Cabinet has announced a significant policy shift aimed at curbing illegal immigration, deciding to stop issuing Aadhaar cards to individuals above 18 years of age.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed the decision during a cabinet briefing in Guwahati on Saturday, stressing that the move is designed to prevent undocumented immigrants from acquiring the identity document.

Sarma clarified that Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and tea garden communities will continue to receive Aadhaar cards until March 2027.

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After that, a complete ban will take effect from April 1, 2027, covering all categories of adults. In exceptional cases, district commissioners may forward proposals to the state government, which will then decide on eligibility.

The chief minister noted that Aadhaar issuance in Assam has reached saturation, with some districts reporting figures exceeding 100 per cent. “We must ascertain who these people are who are taking additional Aadhaar cards. This step is being taken to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshis get Aadhaar cards,” Sarma said.

Aadhaar cards will continue to be issued to those below 18, but adults will face stricter scrutiny. The decision reflects Sarma’s earlier warnings that obtaining Aadhaar in Assam would not be easy, as the government seeks to tighten controls.

The move also aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s electoral pitch earlier this year, where he urged voters to support the BJP’s efforts to identify and expel infiltrators from Assam.

Shah had described illegal immigration as a threat to jobs, food security, and land rights of indigenous Assamese people.

By restricting Aadhaar issuance, the Assam government aims to strengthen its identification framework, reduce duplication, and reinforce its broader campaign against illegal immigration.