Aadhaar, PAN, Ration Cards Don’t Prove Citizenship: Govt Clarifies

Published on May 3, 2025 | By The Guwahati Tribune Team

In a major announcement, the Government of India has clarified that Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards do not qualify as proof of Indian citizenship. This statement addresses growing concerns over foreign nationals allegedly using these documents to claim citizenship during verification drives, particularly in states like Assam and Northeast India.

What Counts as Proof of Citizenship?

According to government sources, Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards are essential for administrative, financial, and welfare services but do not confirm an individual’s legal citizenship status. Instead, only the following documents are valid:

• Birth Certificates: Issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

• Domicile Certificates: Issued by state authorities, verifying permanent residency.

“This clarification is a wake-up call for everyone to secure proper citizenship documents,” said Priya Gogoi, a Guwahati-based legal expert.

Why This Matters

The announcement is especially relevant in Northeast India, where concerns about illegal immigration and identity verification are prominent. Domicile certificates are critical for proving residency, impacting access to jobs, education, passports, and government benefits. The government urges citizens—particularly those without these documents—to obtain and update them promptly.

A Step Toward Clarity

The clarification aims to curb misuse of identity documents and align citizenship verification with legal norms. It sends a strong message about distinguishing between everyday IDs and legal citizenship proof, addressing issues raised in verification drives like the NRC in Assam.

What Can You Do?

Check if you have a birth certificate or domicile certificate. If not, contact your local state authority to apply. These documents are vital for legal processes, from court cases to passport applications.

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Image Caption: Indian government clarifies that Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards are not proof of citizenship. (Credit: Shutterstock)

Alt Text: Stack of Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards with a “Not Valid” stamp, symbolizing they don’t prove citizenship.

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