NRC (National Register of Citizens) funding on tenterhooks

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: With the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stopping NRC (National Register of Citizens) funding after March 31, 2021, the remaining works of the citizens' register are uncertain.

The NRC ineligible applicants are yet to get rejection slips that can enable them to move the FTs (Foreigners Tribunals). There are also some other works to do in connection with the NRC update process.

Uncertainty continues to haunt the State NRC authority and the around 300 employees engaged with the NRC. While some of the NRC employees are at the headquarters, others are at the district level. If the State government does not sort out the funding problem for the NRC with the MHA immediately, the payment of salaries of the 300 employees and the remaining works will face hiccups.

The MHA funded the NRC update in the State as it is a central subject. The State NRC authority estimated Rs 4 crore monthly expenditure for the remaining works of the NRC, including the salary component, to the State government. However, after the Centre stopping funding for the NRC, the State NRC authority had to curtail the monthly expenditure to Rs 2 crore. So far, the State government is yet to decide on the NRC funding. Everything is on tenterhooks now.

Also Read: Settle NRC Objections through Foreigners Tribunals: Debabrata Saikia

Also Watch: