Government Clarifies: What Is Valid Proof of Indian Citizenship (Aadhaar Not Acceptable)!

The Indian government has said that Aadhaar, PAN and ration cards are no longer valid documents that prove someone is an Indian citizen. It demonstrates that better checks are needed to stop non-citizens from using these documents improperly. Those without other papers are particularly affected by this change.

Why Aadhaar, PAN, And Ration Cards Are Insufficient?

Many citizens wrongly believe these documents validate their nationality. Let's get into the reasons why the government does not consider them valid proof of being an Indian citizen.

• Proof of Identity and Residence: An Aadhaar Card is issued to a unique identification of an individual by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), but not citizenship.

• PAN card: The Permanent Account Number card is popularly known as PAN Card, which is mainly issued for tax-related work only, meaning it does not stand out as proof of your Indian citizenship.

• Ration Card: Ration cards allow for the easy access to subsidised food and fuel however, they do not verify citizens.

These documents, which nowadays can be easily obtained by a resident, including a non-citizen, therefore have little or no value in confirming a person's nationality as Indian.

Also Read: Step-By-Step Guide To Apply For An Income Certificate

Implications For Citizens and Residents

The lack of valid proof of citizenship could have an impact on your entitlement to welfare benefits. Learn how this rule connects to Sarkari Yojanas and verification under the government.

• Verification Drives: Authorities have ramped up verification drives to identify illegal immigrants who may have Aadhaar, PAN, or ration cards.

• Legal and Administrative Processes: People may find it increasingly difficult to engage in legal and/or administrative processes when they cannot provide acceptable proof of citizenship.

• Eligibility for Government Schemes: Particular government schemes may now require valid documentation of citizenship, as opposed to just Aadhaar, PAN, or ration cards.

Also Read: Caste Certificate: Application Process, Benefits & Eligibility

Conclusion

The government's clarification of valid proofs of Indian citizenship marks a significant shift in the process of verification. While Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards have a considerable role to play in administration and other related aspects, they cannot prove nationality. Indian citizens must ensure they have valid documents such as a birth certificate, domicile certificate, voter ID card, and even a passport, they must be able to establish their citizenship and access rights and services.

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