JPC Chairman Backs Assam Government's Rule on Aadhaar and NRC
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New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) In a significant development, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the state will implement a new regulation concerning Aadhaar card applications, a decision that received strong endorsement from Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman Jagdambika Pal.
According to this new guideline, individuals who have not submitted their applications for inclusion in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will face rejection of their Aadhaar card applications.
This decision, which received the Assam Cabinet's approval on Wednesday, aims to ensure that only those legally recognized as citizens of India are eligible for Aadhaar cards in the state.
On Wednesday, CM Sarma stated that the Cabinet has sanctioned a proposal to establish a standard operating protocol (SOP) for the future issuance of Aadhaar cards. If there is no application for the NRC, Aadhaar requests will be promptly rejected, and a report will be submitted to the Centre.
In an interview with IANS, Pal affirmed that it falls within the state’s jurisdiction to make such determinations.
He underscored the significance of the NRC, declaring, "Everyone should at least complete their NRC process, as the NRC serves to identify Indian citizens in Assam, with the state government keen on ensuring only legal residents are included in this listing."
This action also arises amid escalating political tensions, particularly as the Delhi Assembly elections approach.
On Sunday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of relocating Rohingya refugees to Delhi, while simultaneously disparaging them.
In response, Pal remarked, "These individuals are Rohingyas and Bangladeshis who are not our citizens... I wish to convey that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will support them, and the Congress will do the same. But why would we (BJP) allow anyone to illegally occupy our properties in Delhi?"
Pal also shared insights regarding the latest progress concerning the JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill, noting that the JPC has examined 44 amendments proposed by his team, with the government expressing differing opinions on some.
"When we referred this Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the advice of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, we consider their insights, and based on their feedback, we compile our report," Pal elaborated.
He additionally mentioned the engagement of key institutions such as Darul Uloom Deoband, a prominent Islamic educational institution, in the ongoing deliberations regarding the Bill.
