Census 2025 and NPR Update

Syllabus:

GS 2: Population and associated issues.

Why in the News?

Recently, the NPR update on the 2025 Census, which aims to establish the NRIC has raised questions about its needs, privacy concerns, logistical challenges and potential impact on marginalized communities.

Census 2025 and NPR Update

Introduction

  • India’s National Register for Indian Citizens (NRIC), which is scheduled to be updated through the 2025 Census, aims to create a comprehensive database of Indian citizens.
  • It is built on the core work of National Population Register (NPR) and Aadhaar, which seek to enhance national security, reduce identity fraud and facilitate welfare distribution.
  • But it also raise concerns over privacy, exclusion and on policy challenges, especially in light of past experiences such as the NRC update in Assam

Overview of NPR and NRIC

  • 2025 Census includes the process of updating the National Population Register (NPR), which is the first step towards establishing a National Register of Citizens (NRIC).

Origins

  • NRIC was established by the Citizenship Act of 1955, which was first conceived of in the 1951 census.
  • The concept of NRIC gained importance after the Kargil War in 1999, when the Subramanian Committee recommended a national database for both civilian and non-civil society

Major legal developments

  • Section 14A was added to the Citizenship Act, requiring all Indian citizens to be compulsorily registered and issued identity cards.

Pilot projects

  • Previous trials such as the Multi-Purpose National Identity Card (MNIC) and the Fisherman’s Identity Card were explored with mixed success.

What are advantages and Procedure of NRIC and NPR?

Advantages

  • National Security: NRIC aims to enhance national security through a verified registry of citizens.
  • Identity Verification: Simplifies identity verification, reducing second-time fraud.
  • Welfare scheme: This helps to target welfare schemes to ensure that benefits go to only the deserving.

Procedure of NRIC system step by step

  • Step 1: Data Collection: The NPR process begins with household registration at census time, where demographic information is collected.
  • Step 2: Biometric data: Collection of biometric data follows for completion of secondary registration.
  • Step 3: Public Comments: Public participation is encouraged to ensure transparency. Residents can submit objections or comments.
  • Step 4: Review process: The review-appeal process ensures the integrity and accuracy of records.
  • Step 5: Citizenship Status: Detailed analysis determines citizenship status to complete the NRIC, and distinguishes between citizens and non-citizens.

Collection of census data

  • Demographic data such as name, gender, date of birth, marital status and socioeconomic indicators were collected during the 2011 census.
  • The 2025 census follows a similar pattern, but the collection of biometric data may be omitted, as it is already in the Aadhaar database.

Aadhaar and NRIC: A comparative study

Purpose and Function

  • Aadhaar is a unique 12-digit number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is available to all Indians irrespective of their citizenship.
  • NRIC: National Register of Indian Citizens aims to create a comprehensive registry of Indian citizens, with a focus on verification of

Where it is used

  • Aadhaar: It is primarily used for identity verification. It connects individuals to services such as banking, support and digital identity. Aadhaar is a biometric-based tool for verifying the identity of all residents, including citizens and non-citizens.
  • NRIC: It focuses on verifying citizenship. It is designed to be a complete record of Indian citizenship, where proof of citizenship is required. It plays an important role in distinguishing between citizens and non-citizens.

What are Inclusion Criteria?

  • Aadhaar: Available to all Indians including non-citizens. It is very inclusive and a way of identifying a resident.
  • NRIC: is for Indian citizens only. This is a citizenship verification process, which ensures that only accredited citizens are included.

Overlapping functions

  • Aadhaar is an instrument of general identity, NRIC is a record of citizenship. Both systems play distinct but complementary roles in India’s governance, defense and service delivery system.

Assam NRC Exercise and privacy concerns: lessons for NRIC

Assam NRC Exercise

  • Objective: The National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was updated in 2019 with the main objective of identifying illegal immigrants mainly from Bangladesh.
  • Challenges: The process faced many challenges, especially with regard to the accuracy and validity of the exercises.
  • Strict documentation requirements excluded rural and less educated people who struggled to meet the criteria.

Assam Accord and NRC Project

  • Specific conditions for Assam: Unlike the proposed national NRAC, the NRC in Assam was based on the Assam Accord which laid down specific conditions. This presented unique implementation challenges.
  • Impact: Many residents were excluded from the final NRC, raising concerns about fairness and possible disenfranchisement.

Privacy and data security issues

  • Data privacy: The process of updating the proposed NRC and NRIC raises serious concerns about data privacy.
  • There are risks associated with the misuse of data that collects sensitive demographic and biometric information.
  • Supreme Court Guidelines: Though the Supreme Court has laid down guidelines for data privacy protection in the Aadhaar case, the need for strict data protection remains essential.
  • Public Fear of Exclusion: There is a fear that some communities, especially those with little or no documentation, may be excluded from the NRC/NRIC process. This poses a serious threat to marginalized people.

Operational and logistical challenges

  • Scope: Implementing the NRIC at the national level presents significant logistical challenges.
  • The screening process involves gathering a lot of information, checking citizenship status and verifying the accuracy of records.
  • Flexibility is needed: The system must be carefully designed to ensure accuracy and precision.
  • A public awareness campaign is needed to educate the public about the importance of the exercise and how to participate effectively.

Role of citizens in ensuring impartiality

  • Engagement: The success of NRIC projects depends heavily on active citizen participation. People need to be vigilant and engaged, making sure their records are accurate and raising concerns when necessary.
  • Transparency and fairness: Transparency in the process will help reduce the fear of exclusion. Citizens need to be made more aware of their rights and procedures.
  • Active participation: By understanding the process, providing accurate information, and expressing concerns when needed, citizens can contribute to the inclusive nature of NRIC programs.

Conclusion

While the objectives of the NRIC program are to enhance national security and governance, transparency, but ensure fairness and inclusion must be given priority. Addressing privacy concerns, ensuring authentic documentation, and public engagement are critical to its success and fair implementation.

Source: The Hindu

Mains Practice Question:

Examine the objectives and implications of National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) and National Population Register (NPR) in the context of National Security and Welfare Policy. How NRIC and NPR differ from the Aadhaar system?