Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the Centre has unlocked the biometrics of over 9 lakh individuals impacted by the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. This move aims to facilitate the issuance of Aadhaar cards to these affected citizens.
Sarma revealed that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has commenced the process of issuing Aadhaar cards and will dispatch between 12,000 to 13,000 cards to Tinsukia on a pilot basis starting September 23. The UIDAI is working to release biometrics for 9.35 lakh NRC-BME (Blocked Metadata Entry) cases, with 5 lakh Aadhaar cards already generated.
“Special thanks to Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah for his support,” Sarma expressed in a social media post.
For updates, citizens can visit the UIDAI website’s FAQs, call the helpline at 1947, or contact UIDAI via email at helpdesk.roghy@uidai.net.in or phone at 0361-2221819.
Previously, Sarma clarified that the UIDAI was directed to issue Aadhaar cards independently of NRC inclusion, as no direct link between NRC status and Aadhaar registration was established. The biometrics of 9,35,682 individuals, collected between February and August 2019 at NRC and Aadhaar centers, had been locked due to procedural confusion, causing issues for the citizens.
New applicants for Aadhaar cards in Assam are required to provide their NRC application receipt number (ARN), as discrepancies have arisen in some districts due to higher than expected demand.