Timeline for citizenship in India goes by dates

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

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Daltonganj, October 1: In Jharkhand, a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is set to begin soon. The exercise will be carried out across all 24 districts of the state and is to be completed within 100 days.

Administrative sources clarified that electoral rolls are not proof of citizenship. Citizenship in India follows a timeline based on birth dates.

26 January 1950 to 1 July 1987: Anyone born in India during this period is automatically a citizen of India by birth.

1 July 1987 to 2 December 2004: At least one parent must be an Indian citizen for the child to be considered a citizen.

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After 2 December 2004: One parent must be Indian, and if the other parent is not Indian, they must have held a valid passport and visa at the time of the child’s birth. Importantly, the non-Indian parent must not have been an illegal migrant.

The Citizenship Act, 1955, which defines these rules, has been amended six times, the latest being in 2019.

The SIR of electoral rolls will also involve verification by parents, particularly in cases where names may need to be deleted. In Palamu alone, over 17 lakh voters will undergo this process.

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Documents required during revision:

If born before 1 July 1987: The elector must provide a document proving their date and place of birth.

If born between 1 July 1987 and 2 December 2004: Documents of the elector’s birth and either father’s or mother’s birth are required.

If born after 2 December 2004: Documents of the elector’s birth, both parents’ birth, and in cases where a parent is not Indian, proof of a valid passport and visa at the time of the child’s birth are essential.

If born outside India: Proof of birth registration issued by the Indian Mission abroad is required.

If citizenship was acquired later, A certificate of registration or naturalisation must be provided.