Assam government bans Aadhaar for adults to curb illegal immigration

The Assam cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, decided on 13 June 2026 to stop issuing Aadhaar cards to individuals aged over 18. The ban will take effect on 1 April 2027 and is intended to prevent illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from obtaining the identity document. Applications from adults will only be processed in exceptional cases, routed through the district commissioner who must submit a proposal to the state government for approval.

Members of the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and the tea‑garden community will remain eligible for Aadhaar until 31 March 2027; after that date, the restriction will apply to them as well. Aadhaar enrolment for children under 18 will continue unchanged. The government cited that Aadhaar coverage in some districts has exceeded 100 percent, indicating possible misuse, and noted that the move complements broader anti‑illegal‑immigration measures such as the NRC and the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act.