Indian Citizenship Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Ration Card is no longer proof of citizenship! Only these two documents are valid, know the whole matter

New Delhi: Aadhaar card, PAN card and ration card will no longer be valid to prove Indian citizenship. Delhi Police has clarified on the instructions of the central government that only voter ID card and passport will be accepted as valid proof of citizenship. This decision has been taken after the misuse of fake documents by illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. This change has made the process of citizenship verification more strict across the country. Let's take a look at this new rule and the facts behind it.

Why was this decision taken?

Delhi Police, during the verification campaign started in October last year, found that many illegal migrants, especially Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, were claiming Indian citizenship using documents like Aadhaar, PAN and ration card. A senior police officer told Hindustan Times, “Many illegal migrants were found carrying Aadhaar, ration cards, PAN cards and even cards issued by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).”

The central government took the problem seriously and directed the Delhi Police to accept only voter ID and passport for citizenship verification. The move has been taken to strengthen national security and prevent misuse of fake documents.

Which documents are valid?

According to the new rule of Delhi Police:

1. Voter ID card: This card issued by the Election Commission of India is a valid proof of citizenship, as it requires the applicant to declare Indian citizenship in Form 6. There is a provision of punishment for false declaration.
2. Passport: The passport issued by the Ministry of External Affairs is also a sure proof of citizenship, as it requires birth certificate and other strict verification processes to be completed.

However, some experts say that birth certificate and domicile certificate are also the strongest documents for citizenship. According to India Today report, these documents clearly prove Indian birth and residence.

Why not Aadhaar, PAN and Ration Card?

Aadhaar Card: According to UIDAI, Aadhaar is only a proof of identity and residence, not of citizenship. It can be obtained by any person who has lived in India for more than 182 days, even if he is a foreigner.

PAN Card: The PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department is for tax purposes and does not confirm citizenship.

Ration Card: It is issued for subsidized food grains under the Public Distribution System, but is not a proof of citizenship

Reaction on social media

Sharp reactions were seen on Twitter regarding this decision. One user wrote, "This step will crack down on illegal immigrants, but it is easy to get a voter ID. The government should take more strict steps." At the same time, some users expressed concern that how will people prove citizenship if they do not have old birth certificates. One user wrote, "Where to get the birth certificate of grandparents?"

Legal and social implications

The Patna High Court (2020) and the Mumbai Magistrate Court (2020) had already clarified that Aadhaar, PAN, ration card or driving license are not proof of citizenship. The court said that only documents like birth certificate, passport, domicile certificate or voter ID are sufficient.

This decision can be especially challenging for those who do not have birth certificates or domicile certificates. Experts advise that citizens should keep their documents organized and updated. According to the Delhi Revenue Department, documents attested by a gazetted officer are a must when applying for a citizenship certificate.

Crackdown on illegal migration

This move by the Delhi Police is part of the ongoing campaign against illegal immigrants, especially Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, after the Pahalgam terror attack. The police have detained hundreds of suspects so far, and have started the process of deporting those who claim citizenship on the basis of fake documents.

Advice for citizens

Keep your voter ID and passport safe and updated.

• Get documents like birth certificate and domicile certificate made.
• Update old records by contacting the municipal corporation or state authority.
• Do not use fake documents during any verification, as it may invite action. 

Conclusion

This new rule of the central government is a big step towards making citizenship verification more transparent and strict. Documents like Aadhaar, PAN and ration card are no longer enough to prove citizenship. Making voter ID and passport mandatory may curb illegal migration, but it can also become a challenge for those citizens who do not have these documents. The government should simplify the process of getting documents so that genuine citizens do not face any problems.