1. What is National Register of Citizens (NRC)?
As defined by Citizenship Ruples, 2003 “National Register of Indian Citizens” means the register containing details of Indian Citizens living in India and outside India.
2. What is National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation?
National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation basically means the process of enlisting the names of citizens based on Electoral Rolls upto 1971 and 1951 NRC.
3. What is the background of NRC updation?
A National Register of Citizens was prepared in 1951 after the conduct of the Census of that particular year. The Register included particulars of all the persons enumerated during that Census. As per statues governing NRC updation, that are The Citizenship Act, 1955 and The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003 NRC updation process has started in Assam in 2015.
4. How will the NRC be updated?
The NRC will be updated as per the provisions of The Citizenship Act, 1955 and The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. As per the two statutes, the citizenship status would be ascertained based on the NRC, 1951, Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of 24th March, 1971 and in their absence the following documents of Pre-1971 period.
1 Land & Tenancy Records
2 Citizenship Certificate
3 Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC)
4 Refugee Registration Certificate
5 Passport
6 LIC Policy
7 Govt issued License/ Certificate
8 Govt Service/Employment Certificate
9 Bank/Post Office Accounts
10 Birth Certificate
11 Board/University Educational Certificate
12 Court Records/ Processes
In addition to above, 1) Ration cards and 2) Certificates issued by GP Secretary (certified by Circle Officer) in respect of women who have migrated after marriage shall also be admissible as supporting documents.
The updated NRC shall also contain names of persons eligible for citizenship by virtue of being original inhabitants of Assam.
5. Am I required to submit all of the admissible documents mentioned in question no 4?
No. You are required to submit only one of the admissible documents. It can be either NRC 1951, any one of the Electoral Rolls, or any of the 12 other admissible documents mentioned in previous FAQ.
6. Why do I need to get myself enrolled in the updated NRC?
The NRC when updated shall become an important legal document to fall back upon for a citizen with reference to his/her status of Indian Citizenship. Moreover, as Assam has been facing the problem of illegal migrants from Bangladesh, it is important to identify them. It is therefore imperative on the part of citizens of India in Assam to ensure inclusion of his/her name in the updated NRC.
7. Will I face any problem to get myself enrolled in NRC? Will the collection of documentary proof be very difficult?
If you are an Indian Citizen you will face no problems to get yourself enrolled in NRC. All you need to do is to collect the Legacy Data linkage particulars - the name and Legacy Data Code of your ancestors as appearing in either the NRC 1951 or any of the pre-1971 Electoral Rolls published by Govt. In case these documents are not available, you have to submit one of the admissible documents. All concerned departments have duly been instructed by the government to make all required documents available to the public.
8. How do I get my name enlisted? Will I have any kind of assistance to fill up my Application Form?
Once the Government publishes the notice inviting Application Forms, you will have to fill them up and submit at your designated NRC Seva Kendra (NSK) along with the photocopies of documentary proof for citizenship. Sensitization programmes shall be
carried out in the villages/wards to help the citizens fill in the Application Forms and arrange for the required supporting documents.
There will be no charge for the Application Forms.
• Application Forms will be distributed to the public house to house.
• They will also be available at the NRC Seva Kendras (NSKs) or can be downloaded from the NRC Website.
• Photocopies of Blank Application Forms can also be used.
• The Application Forms can also be submitted online.
Written Instructions regarding detailed procedure on filling up of the Application will accompany each and every Application Form. Moreover, you can call our Toll Free Helpline No.15107 and also visit your local NSK or visit our website nrcassam.nic.in for any assistance.
9. What is Legacy Data?
The documents namely 1951 NRC (National Register of Citizens) and Pre 1971 Electoral Rolls are collectively called as the Legacy Data.
10. What is the importance of Legacy Data?
Legacy Data are the primary set of documents admissible to prove the claim of inclusion in NRC updated for the state of Assam. One has to adduce the proof of residence in Assam of himself or his ancestors prior to 24th March (midnight) 1971 for inclusion in NRC.
11. Where can I find a copy of the Legacy Data?
Legacy Data of 4 districts namely – Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Nagaon and Nalbari are made available at selected NRC Seva Kendras and notified buildings in the vicinity by the government. It shall be available for the rest of districts by the end of March at the following locations: NRC Seva Kendra (NSKs):
A. PUBLISHED COPIES: Legacy Data shall be published as photocopies of the existing original documents at select NSKs and Government notified buildings in the vicinity. Each NSK shall have the segregated data for the villages falling under the respective Kendra.
B. DIGITIZED DATA: The NSK shall also have the easily searchable digitized Legacy Data linked with the actual image of the original legacy documents. One NSK shall have the database of the entire state for easy search of data from any part of the state that makes the searching very easy for people who have changed residence after 1971. In that case one would not require going in search of Legacy Data in the original place of residence of himself or of his ancestors during the period Legacy Data capturing i.e. before 1971. Search of the digitized data can be performed through name search of any person in any of the three languages namely English, Assamese & Bengali, or even through image search of a village to see if ones name figures in the database of the respective village. Legacy Data Code shall be generated against each record figuring in the Database. The Code shall establish the distinct identity of the persons, which would immensely be useful for searching by applicants and verification by officials. Once the entry is found, printout of the exact carrying the Legacy Data code to be cited in the Application Form will be given free of cost at the NSKs to public.
C. POLLING STATIONS: Legacy Data shall also be published as hard copies in all the Polling Stations segregated for the villages falling under the respective Polling Station.
D. NRC WEBSITE: The Legacy Data shall be made available online at the NRC Assam website nrcassam.nic.in. However, for the data published on web, free download of the entire digitized legacy database shall not be allowed. Extracts can be taken through internet only once using One Time Password received through mobile number registration. Same as in NSKs, the search here could be performed in any of the three languages of English, Assamese and Bengali using either Name search or through search of the database for a village or villages where one might have resided during preparation of NRC 1951 or any of the Electoral Rolls upto midnight of 24th March, 1971. On finding the entries looked for, printout of the particular entry in the Legacy Database and the Legacy Data Code can be taken from the website.
12. How do I search my name or the names of my ancestors in the Legacy Data? My family has changed the place of residence since 1971. How do I get my documentary evidence for NRC 1951 or pre-1971 electoral rolls for the earlier place of residence?
All the data of Pre-1971 Electoral Rolls and NRC 1951 available with Govt. have been scanned and computerized. This data shall be available online and also at each NSK, where public can look up and search for linkages. The NRC Seva Kendra (NSK) of your respective area holds the information of 1951 NRC and pre-1971 Electoral Rolls for not just your area but also for the entire state. You would be able to get the printout of required details free of cost at any NSK you choose to visit. If you have access to Internet, these details can also be downloaded through our website.
13. Can I visit any NSK to search for my legacy document?
Yes, you can visit any NSK as one NSK has shall have the database of the entire state. However, for submission of Application Form one would be required to visit only the NSK designated for ones current area of residence. Know your NSK by visiting the website.
14. I have been hearing a term “DLDD”. What does that signify?
As the Legacy Data is relatively old, it is quite likely that a large number of people would have moved from one place to another since the time of preparation of the original Legacy Data. This would require that a single state-wide Legacy Data set is prepared and published. Preparation of such a single state-wide Legacy Data set is not possible by way of physical printing as 1.) the space requirement for their storage would be extremely high and 2.) it would not be feasible for the public to search through such a huge pile of papers. The only feasible option for such a single state-wide Legacy Data set is by way of compilation of soft copies of the images. Such a compilation of the soft copies of the Legacy Data images and their corresponding digitised records is called Digitized Legacy Data Development, shortly termed as DLDD.
Search in DLDD can be done either through
a. Searching amongst the digitised records
b. If the above does not work, then searching through the images of the respective villages. It is possible that some records which were digitised could it be meaningfully linked with the images due to poor legibility, torn condition or otherwise. In such cases, searching of images is the only possible alternative. Once the name of the person is discovered through image search, a unique Legacy Data Code will have to be assigned through -
i. Either at the NSK or
ii. Through online application made through the NRC web-site.
15. What is Legacy Data Code ?
Unique identification of each record is essential for the applicant to be able to show appearance of his/her name (or of his ancestor(s)). This unique identification is also essential to enable checking by the verifying authorities at the time of verification. Sanctity of each record can only be tested through its relationship with an image in the centralised database. As such, each digitised record which could be linked correctly with an image has been provided with a Legacy Data Code, something similar to the issuance of a PNR in case of air/rail/road travel. Legacy Data Code consists of an 11 digit number in the format xxx-xxxx-xxxx and contains all the information about any person whose name appears in the Legacy Data. Wherever a match with the name of the ancestor is found, a Legacy Data Slip shall be printed and issued to the applicant. The slip will contain a Legacy Data Code which shall be required to be quoted by the applicant in the Application Form whenever submitted. Legacy Data Code is issued through either :
• search at the NSK or,
• search through web-site hosted DLDD data through the NRC website.
16. I have found my name in the published copy of 1971 ER made available in my Polling Station. What do I do next?
On finding such records in the published copies, citizens would be required to record the unique combination of their entry as appearing in the stated documents by noting down the (1) Image ID (appearing at the left corner of the bottom of the page) (2) Sl No of the House No and/or Serial No within household and (3) the name of the person as recorded in the document. After recording such particulars the citizens can approach the officials at the NSK, who on receiving the recorded particulars would provide Legacy Data slip to the citizens containing a unique Code known as Legacy Data Code against the particular. This exercise shall be crucial as the citizens would be required to furnish the unique Legacy Data Code in the Application Form to support the claim of citizenship.
17. What is acknowledgement ID ?
In some cases, citizens might have certified copies/extracts of the stated documents with them. In such cases also, certified copy/extract has to be cross checked with records available with Government. If found correct as per cross checking, an official unique Legacy Data Code will be issued as per protocol. In such cases citizens would have to go to the nearest NSK along with the certified copy of the Legacy Data and get the data searched. In case, any match is found with the database then a Legacy Data Code shall be assigned. In case, there's no match found, then Legacy Data Code shall be furnished only after thorough scrutiny of the certified copy submitted. In such cases an Acknowledgement ID, but not final Legacy Data Code, shall be issued to the applicant. At the NSK, while issuing the Acknowledgement ID, the mobile number of the person will be noted. Legacy Code of the applicant, if found genuine in the verification process, shall be communicated via SMS. In case the result of verification is found negative, the same also be communicated via SMS. In case no SMS is received within 45 days, the applicant may call up 15107 for support. In cases where the person doesn't have a Mobile Phone, he would be asked to call up 15107 after 30 days for his Legacy Data Code.
18. What is DLDD*ID?
When someone’s name is found in the Legacy Data image, but the correspondence digitized record is not found in that case a temporary image ID known as DLDD*ID will be issued. “DLDD* ID” – it will contain the image ID in it. Particulars as available in the image shall be recorded by the NSK operator to be eventually verified by DLDD Team and Government. Each such *DLDD ID shall have a corresponding request generated for eventual verification by DLDD Team and Govt. As this DLDD * ID has not been authenticated by any Govt authority, in order to enable it to become legally valid, a Govt verification would be made and if found verified, a Legacy Data Code shall be issued against the DLDD * ID.
At the NSK, while issuing the *DLDD ID, the mobile number of the person will be noted and the person be informed by the NSK Operator that he will get the Legacy Data Code on the Mobile through SMS during the next 15 days. In case of negative result of verification also, the same shall be informed through SMS during the next 15 days. In case he doesn't get the Legacy Data Code during the next 15 days, he can call up 15107 for support. As such, while generating the DLDD * ID, a Mobile Number shall also have to be taken. In case where the person doesn't have a Mobile Phone. , he would be asked to call up 15107 after 15 days for his Legacy Data Code.
19. How do I establish my linkage with my ancestors whose names appear in the Legacy Data? What else do I require?
Once the pre-1971 residence of yours or your ancestors in Assam is established through any of the admissible documents, the only evidence required thereafter is your proof of identity and also proof of linkage with the ancestor (in case it is your ancestor’s name in the documents instead of your own name). For proof of identity and linkage, relevant documents issued by Government will be required to be produced.
20. What are the documents accepted to establish linkage with the Legacy data/parents?
Any government document establishing linkage between parent and child, eg : Birth Certificate.
21. How accurate is the legacy data? What if my name or the name of my ancestors is spelt incorrectly or is recorded wrongly?
Utmost efforts have been made to make the Legacy Data available in exactly the same manner as they appear in the original Legacy Data. Problems, however, might arise due to mistakes (spelling mistake or wrong recording of age) in the original Legacy Data itself. In such cases, any additional documentary proof available would have to be used. The verification team shall have the authority to verify such cases where names are wrongly spelt or nick names of persons and not real names are recorded in the Legacy or truth established through recording of evidence in the field by Govt. officials.
22. How can I be sure that names of illegal migrants or foreigners will not get included in the updated NRC?
Latest IT (Information and Technology) tools are being used in NRC updation in Assam to catch fictitious claims of linkages by computerized construction of family tree. Centralized database shall be maintained for storing scans of all documentary evidence adduced for immediate checking at various levels – circle, district or state. Moreover, very strict supervision will be put in place to ensure verification of all documents submitted by the applicants. Validation shall be carried out with the backend data for the documents produced to check for fake/ doctored / manufactured documents. In case, adequate grounds exist for suspecting inclusion of an illegal migrant in the Draft NRC, citizens shall have the right to submit objections against such inclusion.
23. Is there any chance for exclusion of names of any citizen in the updated NRC?
All residents are invited to apply for inclusion of their names in NRC. If the applicant can produce documentary evidence, as admissible, inclusion in NRC shall not be difficult. Even in case a citizen gets left out at the Draft Publication stage, he/she will be able to submit a claim for inclusion at the time of final publication.
24. Is there any age bar for registration under NRC Assam?
No.
25. Will NRI be considered in NRC?
Yes. He/she is eligible for inclusion in NRC updation process.
26. Where do I get the Application Form? Is there a fee?
The Application Form shall be distributed house to house by Government Functionaries or you can collect the same from your nearest NRC Seva Kendras. It is also available on our NRC website nrcassam.nic.in. In all instances, It will be available free of cost.
27. Can we take the Xerox copy of the NRC Application Form?
Yes, a Xerox copy can be taken in case it is used for the same family.
28. Is it necessary to fill up the Application Form by all the family members?
Yes, it is. The head of the family must ensure that the names of all the members of the household are mentioned in the relevant columns given in the Application Form. The head of the family will have to sign the application.
29. My father lives abroad, who can apply in his absence?
If you are the eldest member of the family you can apply by establishing your and your siblings’ linkage to your father and grandfather in the legacy data. Your mother too can fill up the Application form. However she will need to establish her linkage independently to her father or grandfather in the legacy data.
30. What happens in case the applicant is a minor and lives in an orphanage, how can she/he prove her/his nationality?
The legal guardian of the child has the authority to apply.
31. What will happen if the same name and surname along with the same father name appears in a voting list, but one person is an Indian citizen and the other one is an illegal migrant?
The applicant needs to provide necessary documents to establish the identity and the linkage and during the process of NRC updation, the verification team will verify the documents.
32. What documents are required in case of a married woman?
A married woman will have to provide documents establishing her linkage with her father or forefather whose name appear in NRC, 1951 or Electoral Rolls up to 24th March (midnight), 1971 or any of the documents admissible for inclusion in the Updated NRC.
33. I’m born and brought up in UK, however my father is an Indian and now he is residing in India. Can I apply for NRC updation and if yes what document should I provide to establish my linkage with my father?
Yes, you can apply for NRC updation by providing any government document showing your linkage with your father The documents will be verified by the verification team.
34. I have been disowned by my father. Can I still apply for NRC updation with his linkage?
Yes, you can.
35. If a child is adopted by his/her relative without any court agreement then who will be the parents in this NRC.
The guardian of the child shall apply on behalf of the child. The linkage of parents as known to the relative who has adopted the child to be provided.
36. Who is a “D” voter?
Doubtful Voter are those persons who are identified during electoral roll revision as D Voters, cases of which are pending with the Foreigners Tribunals or as declared as foreigners by the Tribunal.
37. Can a "D" voter apply?
Yes. “D” voters can apply for inclusion of their names in the updated NRC. However, a “D” Voter’s name will only be included in NRC only after getting clearance from the Foreigners Tribunals.
38. Will there be a facilitator to help me fill up the form?
Along with the Application Form there will be an instruction sheet showing how to fill up the Form. The media campaign shall also be conducted to show the right steps in filling up the Form. The NRC Seva Kendras can also be approached if any clarification or assistance is required to fill up the Form.
39. Will I get an acknowledgement slip after enrolment?
Yes. The Application Receipt Centre at the NRC Seva Kendra will issue a computer generated receipt to the applicant. The receipt signed by the Local Registrar of Citizen Registration (LRCR) shall be accompanied by a printout of the scanned copy of the Application Form and a list of the names of the documents submitted in support of citizenship.
40. What acknowledgement we will be getting, when we’ll submit the form online?
A copy of the submitted Form will be generated and it can be downloaded for future reference.
41. I have lost the acknowledgement slip. What should I do?
Please visit your nearest allotted NRC Seva Kendra and request them for another copy of your receipt.
42. Whom to approach if my application is rejected?
If such a situation arises, you may file claim application within a stipulated time period before the LRCR. The Application for filing claims and objections is available in a prescribed format. A notice will be issued to every person filing claim to substantiate his or her claim by the LRCR.
43. What actions can be taken against anyone forging important documents while applying for NRC updation?
Furnishing false information shall be considered as a punishable offence and invite penal action as per law (penalty as laid down under Section 17 of the Citizenship Act 1955) and under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code.
44. How will the data be authenticated for NRC?
The data provided by the public along with the Application Form shall be verified/ validated by the Verification Team of each district.
45. What all will be verified during field verification?
The documents for proof of citizenship that will be submitted along with the Application Form will be verified by the respective Verification Team designated for each Circle/District. Further you have to provide proof of relationship (linkage) with the person with whom you have claimed relationship.
46. Is there any legal provision for compliance of verification process?
No there is no such legal provision for compliance. However in the long run it will be beneficial for you if you cooperate with the Field Verification Team during their field visit to your household. The NRC updation process is an opportunity for every person of the country to be identified as a rightful/legitimate citizen on India.
47. I had applied for NRC updation along with the relevant documents but my name is not in the list. Why? What should I do?
There might be various reasons for your name being not included in the NRC updated list– for example, it might be duplicity of names, incorrect documents etc. In such cases, you may file claim application within a stipulated time period before the LRCR. The Application for filing claims and objections is available in a prescribed format. A notice will be issued to every person filing claim to substantiate his or her claim.
48. How will I know whether my name has been enlisted in NRC or not?
A draft of the NRC shall be published in the month of October 2015. It will also be made available in NSKs and online for viewing by the public.
49. My name is wrongly spelt in the draft NRC. Can I apply for correction?
Yes, in case of any corrections/changes that you wish to do, you have to file a claim/correction application at your nearest NRC Seva Kendra and address it to the Local Registrar of Citizens Registrations. A receipt shall be issued to you by the Help Desk at the centre. A notice shall be issued within a stipulated time for hearing of the Correction Petition. In case of correction or for any other changes to be made for inclusion in the NRC, an Application, set in a prescribed format is available at the NRC Seva Kendras or the LRCR offices.
50. My name is not included in the draft NRC. Can I reapply?
Yes. You may file a claim for inclusion of your name in the NRC updation process by submitting an application at your respective LRCR. The Application for filing Claims and Objection can be obtained from the LRCR offices. There is a prescribed format for filing such issues and the Application will be accepted only in the prescribed format.
51. Is there a stipulated time period for re-application?
Yes, there is a specified time frame for claim. The information shall be shared with the public through newspapers, TV channels, on radio/FM channels as required, if such a situation arises.
52. My name appears in the draft and thereafter I decide to move to other place, will I still be considered?
Yes, you can, if you are residing within the borders of the country. If, in case you are a citizen of any other country you cannot apply for the citizenship of India. But if you are willing to be an Indian citizen you must surrender your foreign citizenship.
53. Will I get an identity card after my name is enlisted in NRC?
Issue of identity card is not included in the current phase of updation of NRC. It may happen in the next phase.
54. After the completion of NRC updation, what will happen to the illegal migrants settled in Assam?
After the identification of the illegal immigrants, they will be referred to the Foreigners Tribunals. The same will be communicated within due course of time. |
