Did you have any proof to show you are an Indian citizen? These 4 documents are the only proof that you will require. In India, the Aadhaar card is considered one of the most important documents as it is mandatory for accessing various important public and private services, but the Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the Supreme Court during the hearing in the Bihar electoral rolls case that the Aadhaar card is not itself proof of Indian citizenship, thereby endorsing the Union government’s position.
Why Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, And Ration Card Do Not Prove Indian Citizenship
India has several ways of identification, like the Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, and ration card. But it is extremely hard to accept that none of these records can attest to a certain nationality. Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship, says UIDAI. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) says that though the Aadhaar card is valid as proof of identity and address, it does not prove citizenship.
The same occurs with PAN cards (strictly for tax purposes) and ration cards (used for distributing food but not for proving citizenship). The Government only recognizes birth certificates, certificates of nationality, Indian passports, and naturalization certificates as the key documents establishing citizenship of India.
1. Certificate Of Nationality
In certain circumstances, the District Officer or the State Government will issue this certificate, which clearly certifies that the individual is an Indian citizen. The district magistrate, the court, or even the Home Ministry may issue it. Nationality certificates are only granted in certain, restricted circumstances in India. There is no official data on their issuance because they are rarely given.
When someone lacks other legal documentation, such as a passport or naturalization certificate, and needs to demonstrate citizenship to be admitted to a government job, an educational institution under a special quota, or during a judicial proceeding, a nationality certificate may be necessary. Providing citizenship proof for people born in India to foreign parents is also necessary.
2. Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is a vital record that documents the birth of a person. It can refer to either the original document certifying the circumstances of the birth or to a certified copy of or representation of the ensuing registration of that birth.
Required documents:
Parents’ evidence of citizenship (voter ID or passport), Proof of residency (voter ID, Aadhaar, or ration card), and a school certificate.
3. Indian Passport
The passport, which has worldwide recognition and indicates citizenship, is only issued to Indian citizens by the Ministry of External Affairs. It is commonly used in many government procedures. In India, the passport is the only complete document that can be used as confirmation of citizenship.
4. Naturalization Certificate
A person does not have to provide proof of citizenship if they possess a naturalization certificate. Those who have obtained Indian citizenship in accordance with Sections 5 or 6 of the Citizenship Act of 1955 are granted this certificate.
Special Electoral Revision Reveals Non-Indian Entries In Bihar
The Election Commission announced on Sunday that a significant number of individuals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar were identified during the verification of electoral rolls as part of the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar. It further stated that the names of these individuals will be excluded from the final voter list, set to be released on September 30.
On June 24, the Election Commission of India announced that a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) would be conducted nationwide. The election authority has allegedly instructed all State Chief Electoral Officers to make preparations for this initiative. This action is particularly important due to the upcoming Assembly elections next year in five states, namely West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. Also, several states are putting efforts to address the issue of illegal foreign migrants, which includes individuals from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Citizenship is no longer just a silent stamp on a document — it is something you must actively defend. The discovery of illegal voters in Bihar is not merely a setback in the system; it’s a wake-up call for every Indian. If you have any of the above four documents, you are an Indian.
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