- Passport is a travel document, not proof of Indian citizenship.
- Aadhaar card proves identity and residence, not citizenship.
- Citizenship Act 1955 defines ways to acquire Indian nationality.
A recent statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has triggered a debate across India regarding what actually serves as proof of Indian citizenship.
First, authorities clarified that the Aadhaar card is a proof of identity and residence, not citizenship. Then came the discussions surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Now, with the government stating that a passport is a travel document and not proof of citizenship, a critical question arises: What is the document that establishes Indian Citizenship?
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Passport Is A Travel Document, Not Proof Of Citizenship: MEA
On the 14th Passport Seva Diwas, the MEA clarified that the passport is a travel document and not a document of citizenship. It is issued primarily for foreign travel, accessing consular services, and identification abroad. It cannot be considered conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.
The Contradiction
It seems contradictory. Under the Passport Act, 1967, an Indian passport can only be issued to a citizen of India. The application process itself is rigorous, demanding strict police verification, background checks, and the submission of multiple documents. However, the government can issue passports to non-citizens. Under Section 20 of the 1967 Act, the central government has the power to issue the document to non-citizens.
The government can revoke or cancel a passport at any time if it is discovered that it was obtained using false information.
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THESE Documents Do Not Prove Citizenship
In India, there is a common misconception that holding a government-issued identity card automatically serves as proof of citizenship. If you view documents like an Aadhaar card, a passport, or a ration card as proof of your nationality, you are wrong.
- Aadhaar Card: Proof of identity and residence, not citizenship.
- Voter ID (EPIC): Proof of registration on the electoral roll.
- PAN Card: A tax identification number issued by the Income Tax Department.
- Ration Card: A document issued for welfare schemes.
- Passport: Travel document and not conclusive proof of citizenship.
What Is The Proof Of Citizenship?
There is no single universal document issued to prove citizenship in India. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Indian citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955, which outlines five ways to acquire nationality: birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or territorial merger. Unlike some nations, India has never created a document similar to a 'National Citizenship Card'.
Consequently, most Indians, who are citizens by birth, do not have a separate citizenship certificate. Only those who acquire citizenship through registration or naturalisation are issued citizenship certificates.
(With Inputs From Jagran.com)