Dispur moves SC for modality change

Direct inclusion of all indigenous groups in NRC sought

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, July 13: The Assam Government has submitted an additiol affidavit in the Supreme Court advocating inclusion of the "origil inhabitants based on the Citizenship Act 1955, Rule 2003 in the ongoing updation of the tiol Register of Citizens (NRC)".

In its affidavit, the Assam government requested the apex court to bring in changes in the modalities of the NRC exercise for unconditiol inclusion of all the Scheduled Tribes (STs) both Hills and Plains and six other ethnic communities mely Morans, Motoks, Chutias, Tai-Ahoms, Koch-Rajbonghis and tea tribes.

"Moreover, based on the caste certificates issued by the competent authorities, the SCs, OBCs, MOBCs, the persons and their ancestors residing in Assam for more than 100 years should automatically find their mes in the ongoing updation of the NRC," the affidavit stated.

Besides, any genuine Indian citizen who came to Assam after 1971 must be included in the NRC, it said.

Further, the State Government has recommended extending the time-frame for submission of NRC application, supply of additiol computers along with operators, simplification of the NRC procedure and house-to-house visit by officials for completion of the entire exercise.