The Chief Minister noted that these residents had been unable to access essential services, such as scholarships and ration cards.
Digital Desk: In a major relief for 935,682 residents of Assam, the state government has announced the unlocking of their biometrics, which had been frozen due to discrepancies in the National Register of Citizens (NRC). This move, directed by the Central Government, is set to restore access to Aadhaar cards—vital for obtaining various services and benefits in India.
On Wednesday in Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma explained that many residents had their biometrics blocked after visiting NRC or Aadhaar Kendras between February and August 2019. This issue stemmed from inconsistencies between the NRC draft and final lists, which led to the freezing of Aadhaar biometrics. The overlap in office locations during this period, despite no direct link between NRC and Aadhaar Kendras, caused complications.
The Chief Minister noted that these residents had been unable to access essential services, such as scholarships and ration cards. Following appeals from the affected individuals and discussions with groups like the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), a cabinet sub-committee was formed to investigate the issue. The Assam cabinet then urged the Central Government to address the problem.
On July 19, 2024, the Government of India instructed Assam to outline the issue, leading to a formal proposal on July 29, 2024, requesting the release of Aadhaar cards for over 900,000 people. The Government of India, after consulting the Solicitor General, directed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on August 27, 2024, to unlock the biometrics. Affected individuals are expected to receive their Aadhaar cards within the next 15 days to a month.
Initial estimates had suggested that more than 2.7 million people were affected, but this number was later revised to 935,682. Areas such as Dibrugarh, Golaghat, and Sivasagar were significantly impacted, with thousands of Aadhaar cards being blocked.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that this unlocking is a crucial step toward restoring rights and access to essential services. "After years of struggle, this decision provides much-needed relief to thousands who have been stuck in bureaucratic limbo," he said.
The biometric freeze had serious consequences. Rohimuddin Ahmed from Barpeta, a daily wage laborer, described being without an Aadhaar card as a "nightmare," which prevented him from accessing basic necessities. Similarly, Parbati Das from Nagaon faced difficulties enrolling her children in school and accessing government schemes without an Aadhaar card.
The unlocking process will begin immediately, with efforts to ensure all affected individuals regain access to their Aadhaar cards. While civil rights groups have welcomed this decision, they continue to call for broader reforms to prevent similar issues in the future.
This decision marks a hopeful resolution to a prolonged period of uncertainty for many residents, with cautious optimism for a more stable and secure future.
Leave A Comment