It is true that NPR was conducted in 2011 and no papers were asked even then. But the similarities end here. This time additional data will be collected for NPR, which includes the date of birth and place of birth of parents.
This information is the real linkage with prospective NRC, whenever the government decides to make it. As per current Citizenship Act, which was amended in 2003 also, there are three different conditions for citizenship by birth.
a. For people born between 1950 and 1987, it is enough to be born in India to qualify as Indian citizen.
b. For people born between 1987 and 2003, apart from being born in India, one of the parents must also be an Indian citizen.
c. For people born after 1987, apart from being born in India, BOTH parents must also be Indian citizens and one MUST NOT be an illegal migrant.
Many people don’t know the exact date of birth and place of birth of their parents. If the persons born after 1987 and before 2003 are not able to give the exact date and place of birth of at least one parent, their name will be marked in doubtful category.
Similarly, if the exact date and place of birth of BOTH parents of persons born after 2003 are not given in NPR, they will also be marked as doubtful citizens. This is as per the Rule 4(4) of the Citizenship Rules, 2003.
Later, whenever the government decides to notify NRC, these names will have to go through mandatory scrutiny and will pass the citizenship test only if they are able to convince the Sub-Registrar or Taluk Registrar.
There is no categorical official denial by the government yet that such entries in NPR will never be placed in the doubtful category of NRC. Therefore, it is being
opposed now.
