Upcoming 2025 Census in India and its significant role in updating the National Population Register (NPR)

Source: The post National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) and its challenges has been created, based on the article “Census 2025 as a comprehensive citizen registry” published in “The Hindu” on 29th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: The article discusses discusses the upcoming 2025 Census in India and its significant role in updating the National Population Register (NPR), which is a critical step towards establishing the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC).

What is the 2025 Census and how does it relate to the National Population Register (NPR)?

1. The 2025 Census includes an update to the National Population Register (NPR), which is the first step towards creating the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC).

2. The NPR will collect demographic data of residents to distinguish citizens from non-citizens, facilitating the later establishment of the NRIC.

What is the purpose of the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC)?

1. The NRIC aims to create a verified, comprehensive registry of Indian citizens. It is primarily designed to enhance national security and ensure that only eligible citizens receive benefits from welfare programs.

2. The NRIC will also help reduce identity fraud and duplication by maintaining accurate data on citizens.

What is the process for creating the NRIC?

The process of creating the NRIC involves several key phases:

1. Houselisting: Collecting demographic data during the Census to create a basic database of residents.

2. Biometric Data Collection: To eliminate duplicate records, biometric data will be gathered from citizens.

3. Public Claims and Objections: Citizens will have the opportunity to challenge their records, promoting transparency.

4. Verification and Appeals: There will be a process for verifying citizenship and addressing discrepancies.

5. Finalization: After detailed inquiries into citizenship, the NRIC will distinguish between citizens and non-citizens.

6. Issuance of Identity Cards: Citizens will be issued ID cards as proof of their citizenship status, as mandated by the Citizenship Act of 1955.

What is the difference between Aadhaar and the NRIC?

Although both Aadhaar and the NRIC are identification systems, they serve different purposes:

1. Aadhaar: Issued to all residents of India, regardless of citizenship, Aadhaar is used for identity verification and access to government services.

2. NRIC: The NRIC is a system for verifying citizenship and establishing a definitive citizen registry, distinct from Aadhaar’s broader role in identity verification.

3. While Aadhaar can be held by anyone living in India, the NRIC is exclusive to citizens and will differentiate citizens from non-citizens.

What are the privacy concerns surrounding the NRIC?

1. Concerns about data privacy and potential misuse of personal data persist, especially given the collection of both demographic and biometric information.

2. The Supreme Court’s Aadhaar judgment emphasized the need for strong data protection measures, which must be applied to the NRIC process as well. Transparency and secure handling of data are essential to mitigate privacy risks.

What are the challenges in implementing the NRIC?

The national NRIC process poses several logistical and administrative challenges:

i) Exclusion concerns: People with limited or no documentation may find it difficult to prove their citizenship, leading to potential exclusion.

ii) Verification of citizenship: Ensuring that every individual’s citizenship status is accurately verified will require a complex and efficient system.

iii) Public awareness and engagement: A large-scale public awareness campaign will be essential to ensure citizens understand their rights and can proactively verify their records.

Practice question

The National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) aims to create a comprehensive and verified registry of Indian citizens. Discuss the significance of NRIC and examine the potential challenges and privacy concerns associated with its implementation.