LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Defining nationality

The debate over valid proof of citizenship in India continues to cause widespread confusion. Many citizens wrongly assume that regular identity documents like Voter IDs, PAN cards, or passports act as definitive proof of nationality. However, authorities have clarified that an Aadhaar card is strictly proof of identity and residence, not citizenship. Similarly, Voter IDs merely grant voting eligibility, PAN cards track taxes, and passports primarily serve as travel documents. Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, the Ministry of Home Affairs holds the sole authority to formally certify citizenship. The absence of a single, universally recognised ‘citizenship card’ leaves many in a state of legal ambiguity and anxiety. To resolve this, the government must issue clear, standardised guidelines and consider introducing an official citizenship certificate. Ensuring public clarity on how nationality is formally established is a vital responsibility that the authorities must urgently address.

Assis Everette Telles, Margao

Burden of proof

The clarification by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that a passport is not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship has raised more questions than it was intended to answer. A passport in India is not issued casually. The MEA process includes document verification, address proof, birth records, and police verification. If the state itself has carried out these checks, questioning citizenship later creates a contradiction. Many Indians, especially older generations, may not have preserved birth certificates or ancestral records. For them, a passport is often the highest official proof they possess. If even that is doubted, proving citizenship becomes harder.  If passport is not sufficient, proving citizenship could become much harder. The controversy comes amid the special intensive revision of electoral rolls and citizenship verification exercises. The question arises: what document ultimately proves citizenship? The MEA must explain the difference between proof of identity and nationality for travel and conclusive legal determination of citizenship.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Doctors’ malady 

When qualified allopathic doctors from one state move to another in pursuit of livelihood and ambition, a considerable body of work is expected of them in the new state of practice. Foremost, of course, is the requirement to register under the medical council of the new state. Although following the Covid pandemic, some state medical councils, like the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), have exempted doctors from physical appearance for verification of documents, and have simplified and hastened the registered medical practitioner  registration, still plenty of certificates are to be submitted online, and there is no scope for error. Every time, they will have to waste their precious time in paper work. Seen against this backdrop, and what we know broadly so far, the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to allow outside doctors to practise in its state without having to produce parent state NOC or register afresh is most welcome.

Ganapathi Bhat, Akola

Unfair practice

Cashiers at many supermarkets ask for mobile phone numbers of shoppers.  If we refuse, they inform that if the materials (especially clothes) purchased are found defective, there would be no exchange or refund. Sellers cannot ask for mobile numbers and if we deny, they cannot refuse a valid return of the purchased goods. Why are they linking mobile numbers to return of goods? The purchase bill should suffice for them to rectify/replace the deficiency in service/materials. Sharing the numbers result in an inundation of calls and messages about offers, promotions etc. Also, what if our numbers are sold to or shared with vested people who could misuse or create problems for us? Even some cafes, restaurants and eateries, ask for mobile numbers informing about discounts on next visit. On May 26, 2023, the Department of Consumer Affairs classified forced data collections as an, “unfair and restrictive trade practice”. Customers are protected under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act under which standard service over refuse to share data is strictly prohibited.

Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem

Crusaders of change

I visited Jantar Mantar recently, specifically to see how the young protestors of the Cockroach Janta Party were enduring the scorching sun and how we can make their struggle less torturous. The scene was chilling to say the least. The site was swarming with heavy police presence, Rapid Action Force vehicles, fencing and layers of barricades; it was being treated like the epicenter of a terrorist threat rather than a gathering of right-minded citizens.  Inside, hundreds of youths were demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the systemic collapse of our education system and the recurring paper leaks which has put the future of lakhs of students at stake. Abhijit Dipke, the CJP strategist, is leading this charge, refusing to be cowed down despite relentless and oppressive state intimidation.

Rekha Sarin, Benaulim