Guwahati: The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP), a national social organisation representing Gorkhas in India, has expressed strong approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ recent notification that addresses the long-standing NRC Biometrics-Aadhaar issue. This resolution is expected to bring relief to nearly 9.35 lakh individuals in Assam, including over one lakh Gorkhas.
Nanda Kirati Dewan, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Assam State Committee, conveyed the organisation’s appreciation for the notification. He emphasised that the Gorkha Parisangh has been actively pursuing the resolution of the NRC Biometrics-Aadhaar issue with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the Registrar General of India (RGI), and the Ministry of Home Affairs for the past five years. This effort has involved coordination with various levels of government, from District Commissioners and the Government of Assam to the Joint Secretary of Home Affairs.
Dewan highlighted that on 18 June 2024, through a letter from the UIDAI (No. 20016/1/2024-RO-GHY(E-14988)), the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh engaged with UIDAI officials to reiterate their concerns. They were assured that the matter was under thorough examination, with the Government of Assam playing a crucial role as a stakeholder. Dewan expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the Modi 3.0 government and extended gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah, describing the decision as humanitarian. He noted that this move embodies the spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” the guiding mantra of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dewan also acknowledged the efforts of both ruling and opposition Members of Parliament from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, who raised the issue in Parliament at the request of the Gorkha community. He gave special recognition to Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his persistent efforts in highlighting the matter. Additionally, Dewan praised the Assam Gorkha Sammelan for its significant role in data collection and collaboration with various agencies and departments.
The issue originated from the capturing of biometrics by UIDAI authorities during the NRC process, which, over several years, hindered the issuance of Aadhaar cards. This, in turn, led to the violation of basic rights, including access to essentials through the Public Distribution System under the NFSA, rural banking, financial inclusion, and Direct Benefit Transfers from the state and central governments. The ability to open and operate bank accounts, secure college admissions, access healthcare, join the defence services, and obtain government employment was also affected. Additionally, police verification, issuance of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs), and the ability to obtain essential documents such as SIM cards and passports were impeded.
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On behalf of the Gorkhas, the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh also expressed gratitude to the Government of Assam and thanked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who recently announced that the Centre would release the Aadhaar cards of over 9.35 lakh people in the state. Speaking to the media in Guwahati, the Chief Minister stated that the allotment process for Aadhaar was halted between February and August 2019 due to the NRC biometric exercise. He added that he recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the issue and that these 9.35 lakh individuals are likely to receive their Aadhaar cards within 15 to 30 days.
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