National Population Register (NPR)
Core Concept: NPR is a register of "usual residents" (residing ≥6 months in an area or intending to stay ≥6 months) under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (Rule 3 of Citizenship Rules, 2003).
Demographic and Biometric Data: The NPR collects 21 demographic details such as:
- Date and place of birth of parents.
- Last place of residence.
- PAN, Aadhaar (voluntary), Voter ID, Driving License, and Mobile Number
- Biometric data is updated using Aadhaar details
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Latest Status (2025):
- 2027 Census uncertainty: Govt undecided on NPR update during Census 2027 (1st phase: Apr 2026).
- Pre-test changes: Only household amenities tested (2026); no trial for caste enumeration (new for 2027 Census).
- Caste Census: Confirmed for Feb 2027 (1st since Independence).
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Historical Timeline:
• 2010: 1st NPR (with 2011 Census)
• 2015-16: Updated
• 2019: Pre-test for 2021 Census (delayed to 2027 due to COVID)
NPR vs. Census vs. NRC
| Aspect | NPR | Census | NRC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identity database of residents | Demographic data collection | Identify citizens |
| Legal Basis | Citizenship Rules, 2003 | Census Act, 1948 | Citizenship Act, 1955 |
| Data Sharing | Individual data shared with govt | Only aggregate data shared | Not applicable (proposed) |
| Scope | All usual residents | Entire population | Only in Assam (so far) |
Controversies & Concerns
- NPR-NRC Link: NPR is the 1st step for NRC (Citizenship Rules, 2003), raising fears of exclusion (e.g., Assam NRC excluded 1.9M).
- Data Sensitivity: 2019 pre-test asked parents' birth details, Aadhaar (optional), Voter ID – opposed by WB/Kerala citing "public order."
- Protests: 2019-20 nationwide agitations against NPR-NRC.
Previous UPSC Questions
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Prelims 2019:
Q. Consider the following:
(a) NPR is mandatory, Census is not.
(b) NPR collects biometric data, Census does not. -
Mains 2020 (GS II): "How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India?" (Link NPR opposition from states).
**Key Takeaways **
- NPR Authority: Registrar General of India (RGI) under Home Ministry.
- 2027 Census: 1st phase (Housing List) in Apr 2026; 2nd phase (Population + Caste) in Feb 2027.
- Data Use: NPR data aids welfare targeting but risks privacy (no robust data law).
- Tricky Fact: Biometrics collected via UIDAI, not NPR field staff.