Why in the News?
- India extended OCI card eligibility to the 6th generation of the Indian-origin community in Sri Lanka.
- Announced during the visit of C. P. Radhakrishnan.
What is OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)
- A form of long-term visa status for persons of Indian origin
- Not full citizenship, but provides:
- Multiple-entry lifelong visa
- Exemption from police reporting
- Parity with NRIs in certain fields
Key Update
- Earlier eligibility: Up to 4th generation
- Now extended to: 5th and 6th generation (Sri Lanka specific)
- Based on documents issued by Sri Lankan authorities
How “Generation” is counted
It is counted family-wise (lineage):
- 1st generation → Person born in India (original ancestor)
- 2nd generation → Child of that person
- 3rd generation → Grandchild
- 4th generation → Great-grandchild
- 5th generation → Next generation after that
- 6th generation → Further descendant
Significance
1. Diaspora Outreach
- Benefits: Indian-origin Tamil community (~7% of Sri Lanka population)
- Strengthens cultural and historical ties
2. India–Sri Lanka Relations
- Reinforces: Neighbourhood First Policy
- Builds goodwill and trust
3. Strategic Diplomacy
- India positioning as: First responder in region
- Seen in: 2022 Sri Lankan economic crisis support
| [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2. A Citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] 1 and 3 [D] 2 and 3 |
