– Minister of State for Home Affairs Responds to MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat’s Parliament Query
– State Governments and Union Territories Directed to Take Action
Udaipur, March 18: The Indian government has issued strict directives to prevent Rohingya and other illegal immigrants from acquiring Indian identity documents and to strengthen the country’s identification system. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and all state governments, union territories, and relevant authorities responsible for issuing identity documents have been instructed to enforce stringent measures.
This directive came in response to a question raised in Parliament by MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat regarding the alleged infiltration of Rohingya migrants into India. Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar provided a detailed reply, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle the issue.
Government’s Action Plan on Illegal Immigration
The Minister stated that the illegal entry of Rohingya immigrants from Myanmar remains under active consideration by the government. Identifying and deporting illegal foreigners is a continuous and legally mandated process under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.
The Foreigners Act, 1946, Sections 3(2)(d) and 3(2)(g) empowers the central government to restrict, detain, and deport illegal migrants. These powers have been delegated to all state governments since 1958 under Article 258(1) of the Indian Constitution. Similarly, under Article 239(1), Union Territory administrators have been authorized to implement the government’s directives regarding illegal immigrants.
Directives Issued to States and UTs
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has consistently issued instructions to all state governments and union territories regarding actions to be taken against illegal immigrants, including Rohingyas. The latest set of directives was issued on March 30, 2021, and has been periodically reiterated to ensure compliance.
Key Measures to Control Illegal Immigration:
- Identification and Detention: States and UTs have been instructed to identify illegal migrants, confine them to designated areas, and capture their biometric details.
- Cancellation of Fraudulent Documents: Authorities must identify and revoke fake Indian documents held by illegal immigrants.
- Legal Proceedings and Deportation: Expedited legal action must be taken under the provisions of the law, including deportation proceedings.
UIDAI’s Role in Preventing Identity Fraud
To combat identity fraud by illegal migrants, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for deactivating Aadhaar cards obtained fraudulently. This SOP has been circulated to all state governments, union territories, and identity-issuing authorities.
Additionally, stringent security protocols are being implemented to prevent illegal immigrants from acquiring Indian identification documents. The government has ensured that state governments and concerned agencies follow existing guidelines to enforce these measures effectively.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
