Question : NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER

(a) whether the Government has initiated a process to create a National Population Register;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the allocation of funds made in this regard and the time by which it is likely to be completed;

(c) whether the Government has taken any measures to ensure that the names of the illegal migrants are not included in the said register;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the extent to which it is likely to help tackle the menace of cross border migration, strengthening of security in coastal States and aid in the issuance of biometric card in such areas?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS(SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 546 REGARDING NATIONAL POPULATION REGISTER BY SHRI BAIJAYANT JAY PANDA AND SHRI ANAND PRAKASH PARANJPE.

(a) to (e): The Government has decided to create a National Population Register (NPR) in the country by collecting information on specific characteristics of each ‘usual resident’ alongwith Census 2011. The Cabinet has approved the scheme of creation of NPR for the country at an estimated cost of Rs.3539.24 crores. The NPR would have photographs and biometrics of all such ‘usual residents’ who are of age 15 years and above. The data collection work for Census 2011 and NPR is undertaken by the enumerators, most of whom are school teachers/government officials. The entire exercise is being conducted under the direct supervision of Tehsildars, who are designated as Sub-district Registrars and the Collectors/DMs who are designated as District Registrars.

All the State/UTs Governments have been fully briefed on the preparation of NPR and Census 2011. Elaborate training has also been given to State Government Officials in this regard. The matter was also discussed with the Chief Ministers of States during the Chief Ministers’ Conference on 07.02.2010. The State Government Officials have been asked to ensure that all usual residents of the country are covered without omission or duplication. Further, the list of usual residents called the Local Register of Usual Residents (LRUR) will be displayed in local areas and placed in Gram Sabha/Ward Committee for invitation objections and claims. The claims and objections would be looked into by the Revenue Officials of the State-Village Officer (Local), Tehsildar (Sub-District) and Collector (District level). The NPR database would be ready by 2013-2014. The finalized list will also be sent to Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for de-duplication and issue of Unique ID Numbers. The master NPR database and identity cards, once issued, would act as deterrent to check illegal immigration and infiltration in the country.