The term ‘D’ voters, recently seen in the news, is related to:

The correct answer is option 1.

In News

• The Assam Assembly recently debated the issue of ‘D’ (Doubtful) voters, with opposition parties demanding the closure of the state's detention centre (transit camp) and the finalization of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Concerns were raised over wrongful categorization and the impact on families.

 Key Points

• The concept of D-Voter is unique to Assam, where migration and citizenship remain major political issues.
• The Election Commission introduced ‘D’ Voters in Assam in 1997, marking individuals who could not prove their Indian nationality.
• ‘Doubtful voter’ or ‘doubtful citizenship’ are not defined in the Citizenship Act, 1955, or the Citizenship Rules, 2003.
• D-Voters are not allowed to vote or contest elections because their Indian citizenship remains unverified.
• The Citizenship Rules, 2003, framed under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003, govern the process of determining Indian citizens.
• The National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) are maintained under these rules.
• Local Registrars mark individuals as "Doubtful Citizens" in the Population Register, with a 90-day period for verification and appeal before a final decision.
• If found to be a foreign national or illegal immigrant, the individual may be deported or sent to a detention centre.
• D-Voters can apply for inclusion in the NRC, but their names will be added only after clearance from Foreigners Tribunals and removal of the ‘D’ mark from electoral rolls.
  • Hence, option 1 is correct.

Additional Information

• As of February 2024, Assam has 1,18,134 ‘D’ voters and 258 detainees in its transit camp (formerly called a detention centre).
• The marking as a D-Voter is temporary and must be resolved within a definite period.
• The Supreme Court has questioned the ex-parte decisions that led to wrongful detentions and family separations.