The Assam government has decided to stop issuing Aadhaar cards to adults aged over 18 for first-time applicants, with a temporary exception for specific communities. This significant move, approved by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to "curb possible fraudulent Aadhaar enrollment of any infiltrators" and check illegal immigration.

For the next year, the restriction will not apply to individuals from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and tea garden communities. Sarma explained that while Assam has an overall Aadhaar saturation of 103%, these particular communities are at 96% saturation and need more time to enroll.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasised the decision's role as a "protection so that no one can enter Assam illegally and take an Aadhaar and live as Indian citizens". After the one-year window, Aadhaar cards for adults will only be issued in "rarest of rare cases" by District Commissioners, following consultations with district police and Foreigners’ Tribunals. This follows previous concerns where some districts reported more Aadhaar holders than their projected population.