GOVERNMENT CAN PROVIDE NATIONAL IDENTITY CARDS UNDER CITIZENSHIP ACT, 1955: HOME MINISTRY
Legal Basis for National Identity Cards
Under Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, the Central Government holds the power to compulsorily register every Indian citizen and issue them a national identity card. This legal provision enables the government to maintain an official National Register of Indian Citizens and provide a standardized identity document recognized across the country.
Associated Rules and Framework
The issuance and registration process is further guided by the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, which detail:
Procedures for registration of citizens at district and local levels.
Designation of authorities responsible for maintaining citizen registers and issuing identity cards.
Norms for verification, data collection, and issuance of the National Identity Card.
Responsibilities of citizens to keep their identity cards safe and valid.
Purpose and Importance
The national identity card acts as official proof of Indian citizenship.
It helps in streamlining governance, enabling services and benefits distribution efficiently.
The system aids in preventing illegal migration and ensuring security.
Provides a uniform, government-recognized document facilitating identity verification for various civil and administrative purposes.
Process Overview
The Central Government, along with designated state and local registrars, compiles registers of citizens.
Citizens are compulsorily registered and issued identity cards after verification.
These cards remain government property, but individuals are required to maintain them properly.
Significance in Contemporary Governance
This provision supports the Government's initiatives related to identity management and citizen data management, including assimilation with other digital identity schemes. It reinforces the legal framework that underpins national identity documentation beyond voluntary programs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: Under which law does the government issue national identity cards?
Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, empowers the Central Government to register citizens and issue national identity cards.
Q2: What rules govern the issuance of these identity cards?
The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, provide the operational guidelines for registration and issuance.
Q3: Is registration and issuance mandatory for all citizens?
Yes, the government may compulsorily register every Indian citizen and issue an identity card.
Q4: Who are the authorities responsible for this process?
Designated District Registrars, Local Registrars, and the Registrar General of Citizen Registration oversee the registration and issuance.
Q5: What is the purpose of issuing national identity cards under this Act?
To provide official citizenship proof, aid administrative governance, enhance security, and prevent illegal migration.
Q6: Are the national identity cards government property?
Yes, though citizens are responsible for maintaining their cards, they remain the property of the government.
Published on: August 6, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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