New Delhi | August 6, 2025
In a significant policy declaration, the Government of India has officially confirmed in Parliament that it will move forward with the nationwide issuance of National Identity Cards under the powers granted by the Citizenship Act, 1955.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) during a session in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, citing provisions under Section 14A of the Act, which authorizes the compulsory registration of every citizen of India and issuance of a National Identity Card.
The move comes amid ongoing debates over electoral rolls and proof of citizenship in states like Bihar and Assam.
Legal Backing: Citizenship Act & Rules
The legislative framework was first introduced via amendments in 2004, and detailed implementation mechanisms were laid out in the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. According to the law:
“The Central Government may compulsorily register every citizen of India and issue a National Identity Card to him.” — Section 14A, Citizenship Act, 1955
These rules empower the government to maintain a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) and issue unique identity documents accordingly.
Political Backdrop & Reactions
The declaration was made in response to a pointed question by MPs regarding the government’s plan for verifying citizenship, especially in regions where NRC-related concerns remain politically sensitive.
Trinamool MP Mala Roy criticized the government’s broader silence on NRC and CAA-related queries, alleging that the Centre was “evading transparency on core citizenship questions.” The Home Ministry, however, reiterated that the issuance of identity cards is a statutory duty, not a discretionary move.
What’s Next?
Although timelines for rollout have not been officially declared, officials suggest that the identity card program could be integrated with ongoing NPR data collection exercises and possibly linked with Aadhaar for digital authentication.
This marks a pivotal step in India’s journey toward centralized digital identity infrastructure, but also raises fresh questions about data privacy, inclusion, and federal coordination.
