The Assam government is expected to bring a cabinet proposal to issue Aadhaar cards to those whose NRC biometrics have been locked.
Digital Desk: The Assam government is expected to present a cabinet proposal to issue Aadhaar cards to those whose biometrics are still locked even after having their names cleared for inclusion in the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
While the Supreme Court has asked the Centre, the Assam government, the Registrar General of India (RGI), and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for responses by May 17, sources said that the state government has met with groups and is planning to present a cabinet proposal allowing Aadhaar issuance.
While hearing a PIL filed by Trinamool Congress leader Sushmita Dev, a three-judge bench of Justices UU Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat, and PS Narasimha issued a notice to the central agencies.
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"We are already providing rations to those who do not have Aadhaar cards. It would be helpful if we could keep track of who is receiving the ration. If they have an Aadhaar card linked to our system, ration distribution will become more transparent and efficient, " a government source stated.
Assam has also considered the central government's decision to extend the deadline for linking Aadhaar with PAN cards until March 2023. According to the CBDT order, failing to link Aadhaar and PAN before June 30 will result in a Rs 500 fine, with the fine increasing to Rs 1,000 after that.
"The issuance of Aadhaar to those whose biometrics have been blocked will also resolve this issue. Furthermore, the issuance of Aadhaar does not guarantee their status as citizens. It's not an NRC certificate, is it? "the source added.
According to a high-level official source, the legal implications are being studied, and the cabinet will soon present the proposal.
According to TMC's Dev's petition, nearly 21 lakh Assamese people have not received Aadhaar-linked benefits after their biometrics were registered for the NRC.
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