Why in the News?
The Government of India recently clarified in the Lok Sabha that no final decision has been taken regarding the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) during the upcoming Population Census 2027.
What is the National Population Register (NPR)?
- Overview: NPR is a register of “usual residents” in India—individuals who have lived in an area for 6 months or intend to stay for the next 6 months.
- Conducted by: Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Legal Basis: Prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2003.
- Mandatory Nature: Registration in NPR is compulsory for all usual residents.
- Exclusion: Assam is excluded as it has completed the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process.
- Historical Background:
- First Created: In 2010 during the House Listing phase of Census 2011.
- Updated: Again in 2015–16 via door-to-door survey.
- Database Size: Contains data of around 119 crore residents.
- Aadhaar Link: Biometric data collection is linked to Aadhaar; however, ration card data collection was dropped in the 2020 plan.
- Current Status: NPR update plans (2020) are on hold. NPR’s priority has reduced due to Aadhaar’s expanded utility in benefit delivery.
- Scope and Data Collected:
- Coverage Levels: Conducted at local, sub-district, district, state, and national levels.
- Demographic Data: Includes name, age, gender, relationship, marital status, etc.
- Biometric Data: Sourced via Aadhaar enrolment—fingerprints, iris scan, and photo.
NPR vs National Register of Citizens (NRC):
| Feature | National Population Register (NPR) | National Register of Citizens (NRC) |
| Purpose | Record of all usual residents | Register of Indian citizens |
| Coverage | Includes citizens and non-citizens | Only Indian citizens |
| Legal Basis | Citizenship Act, 1955 & Rules (2003) | Citizenship Rules (2003) |
| Primary Use | Welfare schemes, demographic data | Citizenship verification |
| Mandatory? | Yes | Not uniformly across India |
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times. 2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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