The much-anticipated second and final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was published today with 2.9 crore names out of the total 3.29 crore applicants in Assam, Registrar General of India Sailesh said here.
The names of 40.07 lakh applicants did not find a place in the historic document, touted to be a proof of Assamese identity.
The first draft of the NRC was published during the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 this year, containing 1.9 crore names.
“This is a historic day for India and Assam. The exercise is unparalleled in size. It is a legal process done under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court,” Sailesh said at a press conference.
The exercise was carried out in a transparent, fair, objective manner, he stated.
The NRC will include the names of all Indian citizens who have been residing in Assam before March 25, 1971.
Talking about people whose names did not appear in the final draft, Sailesh said, “The process for making claims and objections will begin on August 30 and continue till September 28. Adequate and ample scope will be given to people for making objections. No genuine Indian citizen should have any fear.”
The application process for the NRC started in May 2015 and a total of 6.5 crore documents were received from 68.27 lakh families across Assam, he added.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the draft National Register of Citizens for Assam is completely “impartial” and those whose names are not included shouldn’t panic as they will get an opportunity to prove their Indian citizenship.
The home minister’s reaction came after the draft NRC was published today with the names of about 40 lakh residents of the state not being included.
“No coercive action will be taken against anyone. Hence, there is no need for anyone to panic,” he told reporters here.
Even someone whose name is not in the final list can approach the foreigners tribunal, Singh said.
“Some people are unnecessarily trying to create an atmosphere of fear. This is a completely impartial report. No misinformation should be spread. This is a draft and not the final list,” he said.
The NRC is a list of Assam’s citizens and it is being updated following a direction of the Supreme Court.
Courtesy: PTI
