Draft:Locking of Aadhaar biometrics of Assam residents
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The controversy over the locking of Aadhaar enrolment biometrics of Assam residents dates back to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) claims and objections process, during which the biometrics of residents were collected. Subsequently, these biometrics were locked by the Home Ministry and the Registrar General of India (RGI), effectively depriving around 2.6 million people of the opportunity to avail Aadhaar cards.[1] This situation has led to significant social and economic implications for the affected individuals, who are unable to access various government services and benefits that require Aadhaar authentication.
Issue of Citizenship and Aadhar
[edit]In June 2024, Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, publicly addressed the issue, emphasising that Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship. He argued that the residents of Assam, in the NRC, should be issued Aadhaar cards to facilitate their access to essential services[2]. The Chief Minister formally wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the government to take immediate action to resolve this issue. This stance brought renewed attention to the long-standing problem faced by the residents of Assam [3]
Supreme Court challenges and delays
[edit]The legal battle over this issue began in 2019 when Member of Parliament Sushmita Dev filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking the issuance of Aadhaar cards to those whose biometrics were locked during the NRC process[4]. Despite the urgency of the matter, the court has faced multiple delays in delivering a resolution. This has left millions of people, including approximately 7 lakh individuals whose names did not appear in the first draft of the NRC but appeared in the final list, unable to obtain Aadhaar cards.[5]
In a significant development, Sahil Mahmud, another affected individual, filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court in 2024[6]. Represented by Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, the case was heard by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who subsequently issued notices to the Assam Government, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), and the Central Government, marking a crucial step towards addressing the issue.[7][8]
Government response and Ongoing Developments
[edit]In July 2024, the Assam government responded by constituting district circle offices to survey and collect information on those whose biometrics are locked.[9] However, despite these efforts, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that Aadhaar cards would only be issued to the 7 lakh individuals included in the final NRC, effectively excluding the 19 lakh others who were left out of the list.[10]
Parliamentary Discussion and Future Outlook
[edit]In August 2024, MP Sushmita Dev, raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha, emphasising the need for judicial intervention. She urged the courts to expedite the matter and ensure that the affected individuals receive their Aadhaar cards. The ongoing legal and administrative challenges continue to affect the residents of Assam, with the resolution of this issue still uncertain.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Singh, Bikash (2021-12-28). "Biometric details locked and no Aadhaar: 27 lakh Assamese people stare at uncertain future". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ Desk, Sentinel Digital (2024-02-08). "NRC-Aadhaar Row: Assam Legislative Assembly Expresses Concern". Sentinel Assam. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2024-02-13). "Efforts on to remove Aadhaar hurdle for 27 lakh in Assam: Assam CM". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ "Aadhaar to 'doubtful' citizens of Assam: SC gives 2 weeks to attorney general". The Times of India. 2022-10-14. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ PTI (2022-10-14). "PIL on NRC issue case for fundamental right of life: MP Sushmita Dev". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ "Supreme Court Seeks Government's Response On 'Denial' Of Aadhaar To NRC Excluded Persons". Times Now. 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ Mishra, Sukriti (2024-05-23). "Apex Court Issues Notice In Plea Alleging Denial Of Aadhaar Number To 27 Lakh People In Assam Who Are Not In NRC". www.verdictum.in. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ "Supreme Court of India addresses Aadhaar denial to 27 lakh in Assam". India Today NE. 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2024-07-21). "Assam districts seek info on NRC-listed people without Aadhaar". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ Singh, Bikash (2024-02-12). "NRC: Assam CM says in discussion with Centre on relief to 27 lakh residents". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
- ^ "Supreme Court To Hear PIL Of TMC MP Seeking Issuance Of Aadhaar To 'Doubtful Citizens' Of Assam". Outlook India. 2022-09-07. Retrieved 2024-08-14.