Poonam Nath

Indian authorities call for valid citizenship documents; Aadhaar, PAN, ration card not enough

Digital Desk: In a statement issued by Indian authorities, Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards do not provide definitive proof of citizenship. Instead, only birth and domicile certificates are considered conclusive evidence.

Documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and even ration cards meet administrative and welfare demands, but they no longer serve as definitive proof of Indian identity.

The only documents that the government accepts for this purpose are birth and domicile certificates. Citizens should make an effort to obtain citizenship confirmations if they expect to need them in the future.

The decision was reached by the Centre after numerous unlawful foreign nationals presented Aadhaar, ration, or PAN cards during verification attempts.

What does Valid proof of Indian Citizenship mean

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) considers Aadhaar cards as proof of identity but not citizenship.

Birth certificates and domicile certificates are considered fundamental documents indicating Indian citizenship, with birth certificates validating birth claims within India and domicile certificates validating residence in a specific state or union territory.

Valid proof of Citizens and Residents

Citizens without birth or domicile certificates should ensure their identification is updated regularly. This is especially important for those who need proof of citizenship for government employment, passport issuance, or court proceedings.

Notably, if these documents are unavailable, citizens should seek assistance from relevant authorities to confirm their citizenship status and avoid legal uncertainties.