National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) in India

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) are two significant databases that help the government maintain records of citizens and residents in India. While the National Register of Citizens (NRC) identifies legal citizens, NPR is a record of all usual residents, including both citizens and non-citizens.

National Register of Citizens (NRC)

1. What is NRC?

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a legal document that lists all Indian citizens who possess valid proof of citizenship. Unlike NPR, which includes both citizens and non-citizens, National Register of Citizens (NRC) is meant exclusively for Indian citizens.

2. History and Implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC)

• First introduced in 1951, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was prepared after the first Census of independent India.
• Since its creation, it has not been updated at the national level.
• Currently, NRC is being updated only for Assam to identify and remove illegal foreigners residing in the state.

3. NRC in Assam

• The Assam Accord of 1985 established March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for determining citizenship.
• To be included in NRC, a person (or their descendants) must prove that their name appeared in:
• The 1951 NRC, or
• Any electoral roll up to March 24, 1971.
• Those not listed in NRC will be considered illegal migrants and may face legal consequences.

National Population Register (NPR)

1. What is NPR?

The National Population Register (NPR) is a record of usual residents in India. A "usual resident" is someone who has lived in India for at least six months or intends to stay for the next six months.

2. Key Features of NPR

• Includes Both Citizens and Non-Citizens: Unlike NRC, NPR registers all residents, including foreigners.
• Mandatory Registration: Every usual resident must register in the NPR database.
• Government Authority: NPR is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Levels of Operation: The NPR is compiled at the local, sub-district, district, state, and national levels.
• Legal Basis: NPR is prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.

3. NPR and the Census

• The NPR is usually conducted along with the first phase of the Census, known as the house-listing phase.
• The second phase of the Census focuses on population enumeration.

Differences Between National Register of Citizens (NRC) and NPR

Conclusion

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the National Population Register (NPR) play crucial roles in tracking citizenship and residency in India. While NRC helps identify legal citizens, NPR is a broader register covering all residents, including non-citizens. Understanding their differences is essential for both governance and public awareness.