Guwahati, Aug. 21 -- The Assam Cabinet has decided to stop issuing new Aadhaar cards to citizens above 18 years of age, with the exception of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and tea garden communities who will be allowed one additional year to enroll.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, briefing the press after the cabinet meeting at the State Guest House in Kainadhara on Thursday, said the decision followed a startling statistic Aadhaar coverage in Assam that has reached 102%, exceeding the state's actual population.

"It means more Aadhaar cards exist than people in the state. To prevent this from being exploited by infiltrators, the government has resolved to bar fresh Aadhaar enrollment for adults," Sarma said.

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