The Government of India has clarified that neither the Aadhaar card nor the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card can be used as valid proof of Indian citizenship. This clarification arose from large-scale and extensive misconceptions to make sure people understand what documents are needed to prove Indian nationality.
Aadhaar is Not Proof of Indian Citizenship
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has also stated that the Aadhaar card is not a document of citizenship. In a press release dated February 18, 2020, UIDAI stated that Aadhaar is intended as a way to establish identity only and does not confer rights of citizenship. The Aadhaar system is intended to issue a Unique Identification number to residents of India, regardless of citizenship.
Furthermore, UIDAI‘s official website reinforces this position, stating that Aadhaar is not a citizenship document and should not be used as such.
PAN Card Not Valid for Proof of Citizenship
The PAN card, issued by the Income Tax Department, is similarly not valid proof of Indian citizenship India Services. While the PAN is used to trace financial transactions and tax liabilities, that there are foreign citizens who do business or financial transactions in India who could also obtain a PAN card simply establishes that PAN does not take the action of validating Indian citizenship.
Valid Proofs of Indian Citizenship
To establish Indian citizenship, individuals should refer to the following documents:
- Birth Certificate: Issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, this document serves as primary proof of citizenship.
- Indian Passport: A valid Indian passport is definitive proof of Indian nationality.
- Domicile Certificate: Issued by the respective state governments, this certificate confirms an individual’s residence in a particular state and can support claims of citizenship.
- Voter ID Card: While primarily used for electoral purposes, the Voter ID card also serves as proof of citizenship, as it is issued only to Indian citizens.
It’s essential to note that while documents like the Aadhaar and PAN cards are vital for identity verification and financial transactions, they do not establish one’s citizenship status.
Government’s Position on Aadhaar, PAN as Proof of Citizenship
The government’s clarifications made it clear that, as to Aadhaar cards and PAN cards, there is clear misappropriation in these contexts. By indicating the specific contexts in which Aadhaar cards and PAN cards are relevant, the government is trying to ensure that individuals, and in some cases institutions, will have the appropriate documents to rely on when verifying individuals’ citizenship.
In conclusion, while Aadhaar and PAN are important documents for various administrative and financial purposes in India, they are not evidence of Indian citizenship. As there are also documents that are expressly specified as evidence of nationality, those who intend to establish nationality or citizenship can do so based on the birth certificates issued in India, Indian passport, domicile certificate, and Voter ID cards. Being aware of the proper context of the use of such documents lets the identification process be proper, and maintains the degree of assurance that it has the legal status as has been prescribed by the government.
Why did the government clarify that Aadhaar and PAN are not proof of citizenship?
Which documents are legally accepted as proof of Indian citizenship?
- Indian Passport
- Voter Identity Card (EPIC)
- Birth Certificate (issued by municipal authorities)
- Certificate of Citizenship (for naturalized citizens)
- Any other document explicitly prescribed under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
