Application for adult Aadhaar in Assam has been made stricter, with restrictions now placed on individuals above 18 years of age applying for the first time to curb illegal immigration. However, an exception is provided for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and tea garden workers.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma described it as essential to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Indian citizenship documents. People from other communities who do not yet have an Aadhaar card will be allowed to apply during September. In rare cases beyond this window, District Commissioners may issue Aadhaar cards after verifying reports from the Special Branch and the Foreigners Tribunal, according to reports.
Similar measures have also been implemented in the state of Manipur. During the month of July 2025, the state government of Manipur introduced one of the most rigorous verification protocols in the country for the issuance of Aadhaar to adults, aligning closely with guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
