Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a new policy requiring all new applicants for Aadhaar cards in the state to provide their National Register of Citizens (NRC) application receipt number (ARN). This measure, set to be implemented from October 1, aims to curb the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals whose citizenship status is in question. Sarma explained that this policy is part of a broader effort to address what he described as an "influx of illegal foreigners" and to prevent misuse of the Aadhaar system. The policy will mandate that applicants must submit their NRC ARN, which is expected to confirm that they were in Assam before the cut-off date of 2014. Key points of the new policy include:

• Exemptions: The ARN requirement will not apply to the 9.55 lakh individuals whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process, or to residents of tea garden areas facing practical difficulties in obtaining Aadhaar.
• Population Discrepancies: Sarma highlighted concerns about certain districts, such as Barpeta and Dhubri, where Aadhaar applications have exceeded the projected population figures.
• Verification Process: New Aadhaar applications will be processed only after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the district commissioner, who will verify the applicant's details.
• Illegal Immigrant Detection: The state government plans to intensify efforts to identify and repatriate illegal immigrants, with enhanced border surveillance and coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF).

Sarma also addressed the need for improved intelligence gathering and community awareness programs in border areas to detect and report suspicious activities. This policy aligns with ongoing efforts to manage and document the presence of illegal immigrants in Assam and strengthen border security. The announcement comes amid ongoing protests and scrutiny over the handling of immigration issues in Assam, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing the challenges of illegal migration and ensuring the integrity of citizen documentation processes.