Assam's citizen register updated: Names of 40L not included
After months of delay, the Assam government has published the complete draft of the much-awaited National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 2.9cr names. Around 40L applicants haven't found place in the list, reports say. Those who have been left out can file claims or objections, depending on their status, till September end. You can visit official websites or call on government helpline numbers to know your status. Details here.
What is the NRC?
The first NRC in Assam was prepared in 1951 to weed out illegal Bangladeshi immigrants; this is the first time it's being updated. The application process began in May'15. Individuals have to prove links with family members having their name in the original NRC, or in electoral rolls till March 25, 1971. Applications were received from 68.27L families across the state.
Several delays in NRC updation put Aadhaar registration on hold
The NRC updation exercise began under the previous Congress regime, but proceeded at a slow pace. It received a push after the BJP came to power in 2016, but the Supreme Court still had to intervene to direct quick completion. The government put the Aadhaar registration process in the state on hold to complete this. The first draft was finally published on January 1.
How to find out if your name is present
To verify if your name is present in the draft, visit www.nrcassam.nic.in/ www.assammygov.in/ www.assam.gov.in/ www.homeandpolitical.assam.gov.in. You could send an SMS [ARN (space) (12-digit ARN)] to 7899405444, 7026321133, 7026861122 or 9765556555, or call the 24x7 helpline at 15107 (Assam) and 18003453762 (outside Assam). Or you could physically visit the NRC centers during 10am-4pm till September 28 on all working days.
What to do if your name hasn't been included
If your name hasn't been included, you can submit claims, objections and corrections, but only if you filed your application before August 31, 2015. You will have to submit relevant forms at the centre where you submitted your application. These'll be available at the centres or on www.nrcassam.nic.in from August 7. Necessary documents will have to be provided. The last date is September 28.
This is a draft, no action will be taken: Officials
Among the 40L who have been left out, 2.48L are D-voters ('Dubious'/'Doubtful' voters, who lack proper citizenship credentials), those whose cases are still pending in Foreigners' Tribunal, and their descendants. Officials have asserted that this is only a draft, and no action would be taken based on it. The final NRC would be published after resolution of all claims and objections.
