Citizenship — UPSC Polity Notes

Citizenship Overview

Definition: Citizenship represents the legal relationship between an individual and the state, defined by mutual rights and duties .

Constitutional Placement: It falls under the Union List , meaning only Parliament can make laws on citizenship.

Exclusive Rights for Indian Citizens

Fundamental Rights under Articles 15, 16, 19, 29, 30 .

Right to vote in elections.

Right to contest for political offices.

Eligibility for high constitutional and public posts (like President, MP, etc.).

Constitutional Provisions

Part II (Articles 5–11) deals with citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution.

Key Points

The provisions only identify who became citizens on 26 January 1950 — not the permanent citizenship law.

Detailed legal framework came later through the Citizenship Act, 1955 .

Article 5 – Citizenship at Commencement

Citizenship was granted to every person who:

1. Had a domicile in India, and

2. Was born in India, or

3. Either parent was born in India, or

4. Had been ordinarily resident in India for at least 5 years immediately before 26 January 1950.

Note: The term ‘every person’ includes prisoners and members of the armed forces.

Article 6 – Rights of Citizenship of Persons Migrating from Pakistan

Eligibility: A person (or their parent/grandparent) must have been born in India under the Government of India Act, 1935.

Two Scenarios

Before 19 July 1948: Persons who migrated from Pakistan and resided in India since migration were automatically granted citizenship.

After 19 July 1948: They had to reside in India for at least 6 months and register as citizens before an officer appointed by the Government of India.

Important Point

Most parts of the Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 , but Part II (Citizenship) came into effect earlier — on 26 November 1949 .

A. Citizenship by Birth

Background

Citizenship by birth means becoming an Indian citizen simply by being born in India. However, the rules have changed over time to prevent misuse and control illegal immigration.

The Citizenship Act, 1955 defines how and when a person born in India becomes a citizen.

Provisions

1. From 26 January 1950 to 1 July 1987: Every person born in India during this period automatically became an Indian citizen, regardless of the nationality of their parents.

2. On or after 1 July 1987: A person born in India is a citizen only if either parent was an Indian citizen at the time of birth.

3. On or after 3 December 2004: A person born in India is a citizen only if both parents are citizens of India, or if one parent is a citizen and the other is not an illegal migrant.

Significance

1. These gradual changes made Indian citizenship laws stricter and more secure.

2. It helped prevent illegal immigrants from gaining citizenship by simply being born in India.

3. It reflects India’s effort to balance openness with national security and demographic concerns.

B. Citizenship by Descent

Background

Citizenship by descent applies to people born outside India to Indian parents. It helps children of Indians living abroad to maintain their connection with India.

Provisions

1. From 26 January 1950 to 10 December 1992: A person born outside India is an Indian citizen if their father was an Indian citizen at the time of birth.

2. On or after 10 December 1992: A person is a citizen if either parent (father or mother) was an Indian citizen at the time of birth.

3. On or after 3 December 2004: Parents must declare that the child does not hold a foreign passport, and the child’s birth must be registered at an Indian consulate within one year.

Significance

1. It ensures that children of Indian citizens born abroad can retain their Indian citizenship through proper registration.

2. It helps maintain a legal and emotional link between India and the Indian diaspora worldwide.

C. Citizenship by Registration

Background

Citizenship by registration allows certain categories of people connected with India — by origin, residence, or marriage — to apply for Indian citizenship through a formal process.

Provisions

1. Person of Indian origin living in India for 7 years before applying.

2. Person of Indian origin living outside undivided India (like those in countries such as Sri Lanka or Myanmar).

3. Person married to an Indian citizen and living in India for 7 years.

4. Minor children of Indian citizens.

5. Person who was earlier a citizen of independent India and has lived in India for 12 months before applying.

6. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder registered for 5 years and living in India for 12 months before applying.

Significance

1. It provides a simple and legal route for people of Indian origin or those closely connected to India to become citizens.

2. It strengthens the bond between India and its global community.

D. Citizenship by Naturalisation

Background

Citizenship by naturalisation is for foreign nationals (not of Indian origin) who wish to become Indian citizens after living in India for a long time and fulfilling certain conditions.

Provisions

1. Must have lived in India or served the Government of India for 12 months immediately before applying .

2. Must have lived or served in India for at least 11 years out of the previous 14 years .

3. Must be of good character and have adequate knowledge of any Indian language listed in the 8th Schedule.

4. Under Section 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 , the Government may relax these conditions if the person has rendered distinguished service — for example, scientist J.B.S. Haldane or conservationist Romulus Whitaker .

Significance

1. It provides a legal way for foreigners who contribute to India to become citizens.

2. It shows India’s openness to talent and dedication from people of other nationalities.

E. Citizenship by Incorporation of Territory

Background

When a new territory becomes part of India, the Government of India decides who among its residents will become citizens of India.

Provisions

1. The Government issues a special order specifying who will be granted Indian citizenship.

2. Example: After the merger of French territories like Pondicherry with India, the Citizenship (Pondicherry) Order, 1962 granted citizenship to its residents.

Significance

1. It ensures smooth legal integration of people from new territories into the Indian Union.

2. It reflects India’s unity and inclusiveness in welcoming new regions and people.

Special Provisions: Assam Accord

Background

The Assam Accord (signed on 15 August 1985) was an agreement between the Government of India and leaders of the Assam Movement to settle the long-running problem of illegal immigration into Assam. The Accord led to changes in the Citizenship law to treat people differently depending on when they entered Assam.

The idea was simple: people who came before certain dates would be treated more leniently, while those who came later could be treated as illegal immigrants and expelled. This was done to protect the political, social and cultural rights of the indigenous people of Assam.

Provisions (cut-off dates explained in simple terms)

1. Arrived in Assam on or before 31 December 1965:

These persons were treated as citizens and were given immediate voting rights under the Accord. In short: if you came before 1966, you were accepted.

2. Arrived between 1 January 1966 and 25 March 1971:

People in this group were to be registered as foreigners under the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939. They lost the right to vote for a period (generally described as 10 years under the Accord) but could later be restored as citizens after following the rules. This means they were not immediately expelled but had to follow registration rules.

Subsequent change (Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019) — simple explanation

1. What the CAA 2019 did: The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 created a fast track to Indian citizenship for people belonging to six religious minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — if they came from Afghanistan, Pakistan or Bangladesh and entered India on or before 31 December 2014. The law reduced the period required to qualify for citizenship for these groups.

2. Why it matters for Assam: People in Assam worried that expanding who could become citizens (even if on humanitarian grounds) might change the local demographics and affect political rights and culture. That is why Assam has been a focus of debate and protests about these rules.

Significance

1. The Assam Accord tried to set clear dates so that the state could protect its indigenous population while giving limited relief to older settlers.

2. The CAA 2019 added a religious criterion for fast-tracked citizenship for certain persecuted minorities from three neighbouring countries — this was intended as humanitarian relief by supporters and criticised as discriminatory by opponents.

Loss of Citizenship

Constitutional Provision (very simple)

Article 9 of the Indian Constitution says that if an Indian citizen voluntarily becomes a citizen of another country, they stop being an Indian citizen. In other words, India does not allow holding two nationalities at the same time.

Citizenship Act, 1955 — 3 main ways a person can lose Indian citizenship (plain language)

1. By Renunciation (you give it up voluntarily):

If an adult (or on behalf of a minor) declares to the Government that they want to renounce Indian citizenship, the government accepts that and the person stops being an Indian citizen.

Children who lose citizenship because their parent renounced it can get it back after they turn 18 if they apply and meet the rules. (This is to protect young people who had no choice.)

2. By Termination (automatic loss when you acquire another citizenship):

If a person voluntarily takes the citizenship of another country, Indian citizenship ends automatically. This means you cannot keep both. There is a narrow exception: in time of war involving India, the usual automatic rules may not apply.

3. By Deprivation (government cancels it in certain cases):

The Central Government can take away (deprive) citizenship if it was obtained by fraud or false information.

Citizenship can be revoked if a person shows disloyalty to the Indian Constitution or law, or if they had unlawful contact with an enemy during war.

A naturalised citizen can be deprived of citizenship if, within five years of naturalisation, they are sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more abroad.

A person who lives continuously abroad for seven years without registering with an Indian consulate can also be treated as having lost Indian citizenship unless they register properly. These rules help ensure citizens keep ties and obey the law.

Importance (why these rules exist)

1. To prevent dual nationality — India wants citizens to be loyal and clearly tied to one country (Article 9).

2. To protect the integrity of the citizenship system — preventing fraud, preserving national security, and making sure people do not misuse citizenship rights (like voting) if they have chosen another country.

3. To encourage citizens living abroad to keep their official links (such as consular registration) if they want to remain Indian citizens.

A. Single Citizenship

Background

India follows the principle of Single Citizenship , meaning that all Indians are citizens of India as a whole, not of any particular state or region.

This concept was adopted to promote national unity and integrity in a country as diverse as India.

It was inspired by the Canadian model of single citizenship, unlike countries such as the United States or Switzerland that follow a system of dual citizenship — one at the federal (national) level and another at the state level.

In India, there is only one citizenship – the citizenship of the Union of India . Every person who is an Indian citizen enjoys the same rights and duties, no matter which state or union territory they belong to.

Provisions

1. The Indian Constitution provides for a single citizenship for the entire nation. There is no separate citizenship for states.

2. Every Indian has the same set of rights, privileges, and duties across the country.

3. Any Indian can live, work, and settle in any part of India without restrictions (Article 19 ensures freedom of movement and residence).

4. There is no discrimination in citizenship based on birthplace, language, religion, or state of residence.

Benefits of Single Citizenship

1. Uniform Rights: Every citizen enjoys the same rights throughout India — whether they live in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, or Assam.

2. National Unity: It strengthens the feeling of belonging to one nation rather than to individual states.

3. Freedom of Movement: People can freely move, work, and reside in any part of India without losing any rights.

4. Equality Before Law: All citizens are treated equally under Indian laws and courts.

5. Simplified Governance: Having one type of citizenship simplifies administration and reduces legal confusion.

6. Unity in Diversity: It helps maintain harmony among people from different regions, religions, and languages by binding them under one national identity.

Significance

The concept of single citizenship is one of the strongest pillars of Indian democracy. It promotes integration, equality, and a unified national identity while respecting the country’s federal structure.

B. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Background

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a special status given to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who are citizens of other countries but still wish to maintain a lifelong connection with India.

It is important to note that OCI is not dual citizenship . India’s Constitution and Citizenship Act do not allow dual nationality.

The concept of OCI was introduced to recognize the emotional and cultural ties that overseas Indians have with their ancestral land. It allows them to enjoy several benefits similar to Indian citizens while staying abroad.

Evolution of OCI (Step-by-Step Development)

1. L.M. Singhvi Committee (2000): Recommended granting limited dual citizenship to PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) living in select developed countries such as the USA, UK, and Canada to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora.

2. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003: Implemented the recommendation and introduced the concept of OCI for PIOs from 16 specified countries. It also abolished the old 'Commonwealth Citizenship' concept.

3. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005: Extended OCI eligibility to citizens of all countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh), provided their home country allowed dual citizenship under its law.

4. Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015: Merged the earlier PIO Card and OCI Card schemes into a single, unified OCI cardholder scheme for simplicity and better governance.

Key Features of OCI

Rights and Privileges

1. OCI cardholders are not full Indian citizens, but they are granted several long-term benefits:

Lifelong multiple-entry visa for visiting India.

Exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), even for long stays in India.

Right to live, work, and study in India indefinitely.

Parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial, and educational fields (except in matters of agriculture or property).

Restrictions and Limitations

1. OCI does not grant political rights :

No right to vote.

Cannot contest elections or hold constitutional/public offices like President, Vice-President, or Judge of Supreme Court/High Courts.

2. OCI cardholders cannot buy agricultural or plantation properties in India.

3. OCI is not equivalent to dual citizenship — it provides benefits without conferring full political rights.

Significance

1. OCI helps maintain emotional, economic, and cultural ties between India and its vast diaspora spread across the world.

2. It encourages overseas Indians to contribute to India’s growth by investing, studying, and working here easily.

3. It promotes India’s image as a global, inclusive nation that values its people living abroad.

Present Status

By 2020, more than 6 million OCI cardholders were registered worldwide — forming a vital bridge between India and the global Indian community.

A. Rights of OCI Cardholders

Background

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a special status that grants certain privileges to foreign citizens of Indian origin. It is not full Indian citizenship but offers lifelong connections and benefits to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) living abroad.

These rights are designed to make it easier for the Indian diaspora to live, work, and engage with India while respecting the country’s sovereignty.

Available Rights

1. Lifelong Multiple-Entry Visa: OCI cardholders get a multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa to visit India without any travel restrictions.

2. No Police Reporting: OCI holders are exempted from registering with the local police (FRRO), regardless of how long they stay in India.

3. Equality with NRIs: They have parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in financial, economic, and educational fields — except for owning agricultural or plantation properties.

4. Equal Treatment in Adoption: They receive equal treatment with Indian citizens in inter-country adoption of Indian children.

5. Domestic Travel Benefits: OCI cardholders pay the same airfare as resident Indian nationals for domestic flights.

6. Entry Fees Parity: They pay the same entry fees as Indians for national monuments, museums, and wildlife sanctuaries.

7. Educational Opportunities: OCI cardholders are eligible to appear for national-level exams such as the NEET-UG (All India Pre-Medical Test).

8. Valid Identification: The OCI registration booklet is accepted as a valid proof of identity for availing various services in India.

9. Proof of Residence: Affidavits notarized in India are accepted as valid proof of residence for OCI cardholders.

Rights Not Available

1. No Political Rights: OCI cardholders cannot vote or contest in elections for Parliament (MP), State Legislatures (MLA/MLC), or local bodies.

2. No Constitutional Posts: They are not eligible to become the President, Vice-President, or Judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts.

3. No Public Employment: They do not have equality of opportunity in public employment and cannot hold government jobs except in specific special posts.

Significance

OCI rights promote stronger cultural, emotional, and economic bonds between India and its diaspora while ensuring that India retains sovereign control over political and constitutional offices.

B. Registration as OCI Cardholder – Eligibility

Eligibility Conditions

A person can register as an OCI cardholder if they are a citizen of another country but meet one of the following conditions:

1. Was a citizen of India on 26 January 1950 or at any time thereafter.

2. Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947.

3. Was eligible to become an Indian citizen on 26 January 1950.

Eligibility by Descent

1. The person is a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an Indian citizen.

2. Minor children of such individuals or of parents where one or both are Indian citizens are also eligible.

Eligibility by Marriage

1. The foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or an existing OCI cardholder can apply for OCI registration if the marriage has been registered and subsisted for at least two years before the application date.

Ineligible Categories

1. Any person whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were ever citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

2. Any person who has served in a foreign military or government (except where service was mandatory by law).

Significance

These rules ensure that only individuals with genuine Indian roots or strong family ties to India are granted OCI status, maintaining security and authenticity.

C. Renunciation of OCI

Provision

1. An OCI cardholder can voluntarily renounce their OCI status by submitting a formal declaration to the Indian Government.

2. Upon such renunciation, the person’s spouse and minor children also lose their OCI status automatically.

Significance

This provision respects the freedom of individuals to end their association with India if they choose, while maintaining legal clarity for dependents.

D. Cancellation of OCI Registration

Grounds for Cancellation

The Indian Government may cancel an OCI registration on any of the following grounds:

1. Fraud or Misrepresentation: If the OCI status was obtained by fraudulent means or providing false information.

2. Disloyalty to the Constitution: Showing disaffection or acting against the Constitution of India.

3. Enemy Association: Having unlawful contact or conspiracy with an enemy country.

4. Criminal Conviction: If the person is imprisoned for two years or more within five years of being registered as an OCI.

5. National Security: If the person poses a threat to India’s sovereignty, integrity, or friendly relations with other countries.

6. Violation of Indian Laws: If the person has broken Indian laws or regulations.

7. Dissolution of Marriage: If OCI was granted based on marriage, and that marriage is later dissolved or declared void.

Significance

These rules empower the Indian Government to revoke OCI status from individuals who act against national interests or misuse the privileges granted under OCI.

A. Non-Resident Indian (NRI)

Background

The term Non-Resident Indian (NRI) refers to Indian citizens who live outside India for work, business, or other purposes but still hold Indian citizenship. They continue to maintain emotional, cultural, and often financial connections with India.

The NRI concept helps in defining their legal, economic, and tax responsibilities in India.

Legal References

1. Income Tax Act, 1961: Defines who is an NRI for taxation purposes. It determines how long a person can stay outside India to be considered non-resident for tax purposes.

2. Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999: Governs foreign exchange transactions, bank accounts, and investments made by NRIs in India.

Key Features

1. Citizenship: NRIs are Indian citizens and hold valid Indian passports.

2. Voting Rights: They can vote in Indian elections but must be physically present in their constituency to do so.

3. Investment Opportunities: NRIs can invest in India through special schemes such as NRE (Non-Resident External) and NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts.

4. Taxation: They are taxed only on income earned in India, not on income earned abroad.

5. Contribution to India: NRIs contribute to India’s economy through remittances, investments, and by acting as goodwill ambassadors abroad.

Significance

The NRI community plays a major role in strengthening India’s economy and global influence. They help maintain cultural and financial bridges between India and other countries.

B. Person of Indian Origin (PIO)

Background

The term Person of Indian Origin (PIO) was used for foreign citizens who had ancestral roots in India but were citizens of other countries. This category was created to help such people maintain a link with India.

PIOs are not Indian citizens but were offered certain benefits to facilitate travel, investment, and cultural connection with India.

Definition

A PIO is a foreign citizen (except citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Iran, and Sri Lanka) who had Indian ancestry.

Eligibility Criteria

1. The person held an Indian passport at any time; or

2. Either of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of India or were permanently residing in India.

Restrictions

1. Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Iran, and Sri Lanka were not eligible to obtain PIO cards due to national security and diplomatic reasons.

PIO Card Scheme

1. Introduced by the Indian Government to facilitate easier travel, residence, and investment for the Indian diaspora.

2. The PIO card allowed visa-free travel to India for up to 15 years and other benefits similar to those given to NRIs.

3. On 9th January 2015 , the PIO Card Scheme was officially withdrawn .

4. It was merged with the OCI Card Scheme to create a unified and simplified identity for all foreign citizens of Indian origin.

Significance

The merger of PIO with OCI created a single, efficient framework for recognizing the global Indian community and promoting closer ties between India and its people abroad.

A. Background

Citizenship in India is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955 , which lays down the various modes through which a person can acquire or lose Indian citizenship.

In 2015 and 2016, the Central Government issued notifications under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1967. These notifications provided temporary relief to certain groups of illegal migrants.

They exempted illegal migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan from imprisonment or deportation for entering India without valid documents.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA, 2019) was later passed to provide a permanent legal framework for granting citizenship to such migrants.

B. Provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019

1. Eligibility for Citizenship: Migrants belonging to the six religious communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are now eligible for Indian citizenship if they entered India before 31 December 2014 .

2. Relaxed Residency Requirement: The requirement for naturalization (residency period) has been reduced from 11 years to 5 years for these groups.

3. Exceptions to the Act: The CAA does not apply to:

Tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura (covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution).

Areas protected by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur).

4. OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Provision: The Act also expanded the grounds for cancelling OCI registration. Now, OCI status can be revoked if the holder violates the provisions of the CAA or any other notified Indian law.

C. Concerns and Criticisms

1. Religion-Based Citizenship: The Act is criticized for granting citizenship based on religion, allegedly violating India’s secular character guaranteed by the Constitution.

2. Exclusion of Muslims: The Act excludes Muslims from the list of eligible groups, raising concerns under Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution.

3. Other Refugees Left Out: Refugee groups like Sri Lankan Tamils and Rohingya Muslims are not covered under the Act.

4. Lack of Data: There is no official or transparent data on the number of affected illegal migrants or proof of religious persecution.

5. Arbitrary Power to Cancel OCI: The expanded grounds for OCI cancellation grant wide discretion to the government, raising fears of misuse.

6. North-East Concerns: Many in the North-East believe the CAA violates the Assam Accord (1985) , which set 25 March 1971 as the cut-off date for detecting and deporting illegal immigrants, regardless of religion.

7. Fear of Statelessness: People unable to prove their religion, nationality, or date of entry might face statelessness if not recognized as citizens.

D. Related Laws

1. Foreigners Act, 1946: Empowers the government to regulate the entry, presence, and exit of foreigners in India.

2. Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1967: Regulates entry of foreigners and prescribes penalties for entering without valid documents.

E. Significance

1. The government views the CAA as a humanitarian measure aimed at providing refuge and citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries.

2. However, critics argue that it undermines the secular foundation of the Indian Constitution by linking citizenship to religion.

3. The Act has led to nationwide debates and protests, making it one of the most discussed laws in recent years.

A. National Register of Citizens (NRC)

Background

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is an official record that contains the names and relevant details of all genuine Indian citizens.

It was first prepared after the 1951 Census of India to identify citizens and detect illegal migrants, particularly in border regions.

Since then, the NRC has not been updated nationwide, except in the state of Assam , where it was updated in 2013–14 under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India .

Purpose and Objective

1. To identify illegal immigrants residing in India.

2. To create an authentic database of legal citizens for administrative, legal, and security purposes.

Data Included in NRC

The NRC contains detailed personal information such as:

Name and gender.

Date and place of birth.

Permanent and present addresses.

Marital status and family details.

Visible identification mark.

Registration number and national identity number.

Issues and Challenges with NRC

1. Lack of Documents: Many genuine citizens, especially rural poor, women, and marginalized groups, may lack proper documentation to prove citizenship.

2. Outdated Data: The last NRC update was done in 1951, except for Assam, making it unreliable for current use.

3. Absence of Uniform Rules: There are no clear national guidelines or uniform procedures for conducting the NRC exercise.

4. Fear of Discrimination: Following the CAA, 2019 , many fear that NRC may lead to discrimination against certain communities.

5. Risk of Statelessness: People who fail to provide adequate proof may be declared ‘foreigners’, leading to exclusion and statelessness.

Significance

The NRC aims to create a verified database of citizens to strengthen internal security, prevent illegal immigration, and ensure targeted delivery of government schemes.

However, it has raised serious humanitarian, logistical, and legal concerns across India.

B. National Population Register (NPR)

Background

The National Population Register (NPR) is a register of all the ‘usual residents’ of India, which includes both Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country.

It was first prepared in 2011 and later updated in 2015 .

The NPR forms the foundation for creating the NRC, but it does not automatically determine citizenship.

Legal Basis

The NPR is prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.

Levels of Preparation

The NPR is prepared at multiple administrative levels:

Village / Sub-town level.

District level.

State level.

National level.

Data Collection Process

1. Data is collected every 10 years through house-to-house enumeration.

2. Information is provided through self-declaration — no supporting documents are required at the time of data collection.

3. The data includes: name, relationship to head of household, gender, date of birth, marital status, nationality, educational qualification, and occupation.

Rationale for NPR

1. To create a comprehensive and accurate identity database of residents of India.

2. To help improve security, governance, and service delivery.

3. To support welfare programs and targeted benefits for citizens and residents.

Issues with NPR

1. Coverage Errors: In the 2011 NPR, approximately 30 million (3 crore) people were missed, about 2.3% of the population.

2. Data Mismatch: Population count in NPR (1.18 billion) differed from Census 2011 (1.21 billion).

3. Privacy Concerns: The NPR data is digitally stored and linked with Aadhaar , leading to fears of surveillance or misuse.

4. Verification Problems: Inconsistencies in self-declared information and verification processes.

5. Fear of NRC Link: Concerns that NPR data may later be used to prepare a nationwide NRC, raising anxiety among marginalized communities.

Key Definition

‘Usual Resident’: A person who has resided in a local area for the past six months or intends to stay there for the next six months.

Significance

The NPR is designed to create a database of all residents of India to assist in planning, national security, and welfare delivery. However, it remains controversial due to its possible link with the NRC.