NRC – An essential immunization against a severe malaise

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In the age of information, information is as much an asset as gold or diamonds are; nothing more so than a single electronic registry which confirms, among other things, the citizenship of the person in question. Also, eventually, this one piece of information can function as a single source of identification and other proof.

Nowhere in this note or in his opinion does the author try to malign the concept of migration and in fact, legal documented migration must become easier to ensure that migrants also benefit from whatever this land has to offer and to also prevent trafficking.  

The need for a central repository cannot be over emphasized and the benefits of having an electronic registry producing information at will on anyone at any time has multiple advantages including

1. Identification of a legal and an illegal resident: In a country of 130-140 crore people, even a few crore illegal residents will invite no panic or suspicion. However, from a security standpoint it is a nightmare. Barring China, all major and populous countries in the world face this problem are trying at or have achieved ways and means for effective electronic documentation
2. Simple identification and KYC procedures, reducing great costs currently incurred. The cost of compliance is currently estimated at 100 per person per verification for non-digital KYC and just Rs.15 for digital verification
3. Targeted benefits and removal of fake recipients: the Aadhar has already demonstrated how useful it can be for these purposes; removal of intermediaries and ghost recipients ensure that the intended beneficiaries do not miss out on the benefits the government wishes the to avail
4. Better prevention of possible terrorist or nefarious activities: immediate determination of the residential status of an individual who is the suspect in a crime or one who being apprehended during the commission of a crime could help detect whether it is a simple crime or a part of a larger spot that could destabilize peace
5. Preserving local and tribal culture which might be lost due to demographic changes caused due to illegal immigration- one of the biggest grouses of Tribals in the state of Assam was the loss of their culture
6. Increased threat of instability: political actors inimical and hostile to our existence could use the route of illegal immigration to infiltrate and cause terrorist attacks and other problems in the country

Challenges for a successful formulation and implementation of a NRC

1. Clear definition of citizenship; the NRC exercise in Assam had to be within the scope of the Assam Accord; will the nationwide NRC have such restrictions or will citizenship be defined in a different manner
2. Identification of possible loopholes on the basis of increased scrutiny of suspicious cases in the recently concluded Assam NRC exercise.
3. Elimination of multiple appeals to the judiciary by aggrieved persons by first legislating and ensuring that the legislation passes judicial scrutiny
4. Formation of an independent authority on the lines of the election commission that can overrule the state governments and the Central government, if necessary, to implement the scheme- the EC has proven itself to be an unbiased and effective organization
5. Clear and elaborate explanation of what would happen to those not deemed citizens. Will they continue to exist as refugees with or without special rights or will they be deported to their home countries or other countries willing to take them back.
6. The govt of India should be willing to incentivise home or other countries which are willing to take them back by providing some compensation per person
7. Systematic audit of border security to be conducted by the independent body so mentioned and quarterly report on illegal immigration on internal borders with electronic evidence in the form of videos and photos

About the Author:

Vishnu a CA & Management professional from India’s Top 10 Business School , always interested in history, civic issues, politics and sports. He reads and writes extensively on all topics. A pious Hindu and believe that it is the duty of every Hindu to preserve his culture and religion in his own truthful way, Twitter Handle – @Vishnu49017273