Assam: Final draft of NRC with 2.9 crore names released, govt assures no deportation based on list

The much-anticipated second and final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was published today with 2.9 crore names out of the total 3.29 crore applicants in Assam, Registrar General of India Sailesh said during a press conference in Guwahati.

The names of 40.07 lakh applicants did not find a place in the historic document, touted to be a proof of Assamese identity. The first draft of the NRC was published during the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 this year, containing 1.9 crore names.

"This is a historic day for India and Assam. The exercise is unparalleled in size. It is a legal process done under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court," Sailesh said at a press conference.

The exercise was carried out in a transparent, fair, objective manner, he stated.

The NRC will include the names of all Indian citizens who have been residing in Assam before March 25, 1971.

Talking about people whose names did not appear in the final draft, Sailesh said, "The process for making claims and objections will begin on August 30 and continue till September 28. Adequate and ample scope will be given to people for making objections. No genuine Indian citizen should have any fear." 

The application process for the NRC started in May 2015 and a total of 6.5 crore documents were received from 68.27 lakh families across Assam, he added. 

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said there is no need to panic and all Indians will be given adequate opportunities to prove their citizenship. 

"People whose names are missing will not be automatically declared foreigners or detained. People will get justice and will be treated in a humane manner. They will have sufficient opportunity for all remedies available." Those not satisfied with claims and objections can appeal in foreigners' tribunals. The final NRC will be published after that.

The Home Ministry has asked Assam government not to take any action against those whose names do not figure on the list. Such people may be barred from all constitutional rights, including fundamental and electoral. They will have only human rights, till they are in India. Dhaka has, however, said it has no information about any deportation plan by India."