(a) whether the Union Government has any proposal to introduce a new online application
system for grant of Indian citizenship;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which the new system is likely to be introduced; and
(d) the extent to which it is likely to be beneficial?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) & (b): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1132 FOR 01.03.2011.
(a) to (d): Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Home Affairs has developed a software to facilitate submission
of online applications for grant of Indian Citizenship. The applicants can make application online for
quick processing of the same by the concerned agencies and the Central Government. The facility for
online submission of application forms under section 5(1)(a), 5(1)(c), 5(1)(d), 5(1)(d), 5(1)(e),
5(1)(f), 5(1)(g), and 6(1) has been provided. A foreigner can apply online from the website http:
//mha.nic.in/icweb/icfirstpage.aspx. Each application form is meant for one person only. Once the
online application form is submitted by the applicant, an internet File Number will be generated
automatically and the applicant may preserve this number will be generated automatically and the
applicant may preserve this number for status tracking. Applicant is required to submit the duly
signed/self attested hard copy of the computer generated print of the application form and supporting
documents to the concerned Collector/DC/DM Office. Thereafter, the collector/DC/DM concerned, as the
case may be, shall process the application as per the procedure laid down in the Citizenship Act, 1955
and rules made thereunder.
The new system has been introduced with following objectives:
i. Faster and uniform processing of applications for grant of Indian Citizenship.
ii. Easy monitoring and tracking of applications.
iii. Generation of accurate MIS reports.
iv. Creation and maintenance of centralized database of citizenship granted to the foreigners.