Assam Cabinet tightens Aadhaar guidelines and launches welfare measures for marginalized farmers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 11, 2024

The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has implemented stricter regulations for Aadhaar enrolment and announced a series of decisions aimed at supporting farmers, societies, and disaster-affected families.

The Cabinet approved a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to strengthen Aadhaar enrolment procedures in Assam, primarily to address concerns regarding illegal immigration. Key provisions include:

All Aadhaar applicants must submit their National Register of Citizens (NRC) Application Receipt Number (ARN).

The General Administration Department (GAD) will oversee state-level Aadhaar verification.

Circle officers will verify NRC applications submitted by Aadhaar applicants.

Applications lacking an NRC submission will be rejected, with reports forwarded to the central government. Applicants with NRC submissions will undergo physical verification before Aadhaar approval.

The Central government employees from other states working in Assam are exempted from the SOP.

The Chief Minister highlighted that these measures, supported by Assam Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), aim to curb illegal immigration from Bangladesh while ensuring legitimate enrolments.

In a move to support marginal farmers, the Cabinet reinstated the Mauzadari system for land revenue payments.

Farmers can now pay land revenue through local Mauzadars, addressing difficulties faced with the online payment system.

The online system will continue for those who prefer it, especially non-resident Assamese.

The Cabinet simplified registration and renewal processes for societies, particularly religious and community organizations. The three-year mandatory CA audit certificate requirement for society registration has been removed. Organizations like Namghars, Mandirs, Mahila Sanghas, and Yuva Sanghas can renew their registrations without fees. Societies can now apply for land documents without audit-related conditions.

A 12-day statewide initiative, led by “Team Assam,” aims to deliver welfare support to 12 lakh families.

Rs 223.30 crore relief for over 78,000 borrowers to restore creditworthiness. ₹353.37 crore allocated to 6.86 lakh disaster-affected families for home reconstruction, livelihood support, and essential supplies. Distribution of 18 lakh new ration cards. Addition of 37,000 new beneficiaries.