Guwahati: The Assam Government has announced a significant policy decision to reserve footpath retail trade in Guwahati exclusively for indigenous people, coupled with new restrictions on Aadhaar enrollment for individuals above 18 years of age. These measures, articulated by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, are aimed at safeguarding the economic interests and future of Assam’s indigenous communities.

The twin policies underscore the state government’s commitment to addressing concerns over demographic change and protecting local livelihoods, particularly in the urban informal sector. Officials said the move would help regulate the burgeoning street vending economy and prevent non-local individuals from dominating commercial activities on public footpaths.

What was announced

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision to reserve footpath retail trade for indigenous people during a media conclave held on June 13, 2026, at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, the state BJP headquarters. This will follow a comprehensive survey, scheduled to be conducted between August and September 2026, to identify and regulate retail establishments currently operated by what officials described as “unidentified and non-local individuals.”

Concurrently, the Assam Cabinet, in a meeting on June 13, 2026, resolved to restrict Aadhaar enrollment for individuals above 18 years of age. This measure is designed to prevent illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, from obtaining the unique identity document.

Why it matters

The reservation of footpath retail trade is a direct response to the perception that non-local vendors have increasingly encroached upon public spaces, limiting economic opportunities for indigenous residents. Senior BJP spokesperson Brojen Mahanta said that more than one lakh individuals are currently operating businesses on Guwahati’s footpaths, with over 80 percent identified as non-local or migrant individuals. These traders, according to Mahanta, generate substantial daily revenues without contributing tax revenue to the government and contribute to unhygienic conditions and traffic congestion.

The restriction on Aadhaar enrollment for adults is a critical step in the state’s broader efforts to strengthen identity verification mechanisms and address concerns over illegal immigration. Chief Minister Sarma noted that Aadhaar enrollment in Assam has largely reached saturation levels, with some districts reporting figures exceeding 100 percent, raising apprehensions about the authenticity of some beneficiaries. The government aims to scrutinise new applications closely to prevent non-citizens from securing Aadhaar cards.

Background

Assam has a long history of grappling with issues related to immigration and the protection of its indigenous communities. Concerns over demographic change have been a central theme in the state’s political and social discourse for decades, leading to movements like the Assam Agitation (1979-1985). The state shares a porous border with Bangladesh, and the influx of migrants has historically altered landholding patterns, linguistic profiles, and generated social unrest.

Previous efforts to safeguard indigenous rights include the establishment of protected tribal belts and blocks under the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886, to restrict land transfers to non-protected groups. The Supreme Court of India, in 2005, observed that Assam faced a “silent demographic invasion” while striking down the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983. More recently, a Home Ministry-appointed committee in 2020 recommended 1951 as the cut-off year for defining indigenous people of Assam and suggested the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to control the movement of outsiders.

Regarding street vending, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) had previously notified 81 vending zones in 2024 under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihoods and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, to regulate the sector. However, reports indicate that many of these zones remained unoperational, and vendors continued to occupy footpaths without formal allotments, leading to an unregulated environment.

Key details

The survey for footpath retail trade will collect detailed information on vendors’ origins, types of vending, and incomes. Chief Minister Sarma said the data would help understand how many employment opportunities “Assamese people” may have been missing. The government plans to use the survey findings to establish an organised system that prioritises indigenous residents for trading permissions in designated vending zones, including spaces beneath newly constructed flyovers.

For Aadhaar enrollment, individuals above 18 years seeking new Aadhaar cards will now require special approval from the state government. District Commissioners will examine such applications and forward recommendations to the government for a final decision on eligibility. Aadhaar cards will continue to be issued to eligible persons below 18 years of age. Members of the tea garden community and Scheduled Tribes who are yet to receive Aadhaar cards are exempted from this restriction until March 31, 2027, after which the complete ban on Aadhaar issuance for all individuals above 18 years will come into effect.

Reactions

Senior BJP spokesperson Brojen Mahanta welcomed both policy decisions, describing them as “innovative initiatives” by the NDA government. He emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests and future of Assam’s indigenous communities. Mahanta asserted that the Aadhaar restriction would prevent migrants from erstwhile East Bengal and other states from accessing various state government benefits through Aadhaar registration.

The move has been framed by the state government as a necessary step to protect Assam’s demographic and social interests. Concerns about high Aadhaar enrollment rates, exceeding 100 percent in some districts, have been cited as evidence of potential misuse by illegal immigrants.

What’s next

The two-month survey of Guwahati’s street vendors is scheduled to commence on August 16, 2026. The findings of this survey will inform subsequent policy decisions on the regulation and relocation of street vending activities, with indigenous vendors expected to receive priority access to designated spaces. For Aadhaar enrollment, the exemption for tea garden communities and Scheduled Tribes will cease on April 1, 2027, after which the restrictions for individuals above 18 years will apply universally.

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