Topic – Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
3) The draft National Register of Citizens has its roots in post independence history of Assam which partially explains the support for it. Its updation however, will open a Pandora’s box of issues. Discuss.(250 words)
Why this question
A new version of draft NRC has come out which has dominated news headlines the past few days. The background of NRC, the procedural aspect of it, the impact are some of the issues that needs to be prepared for mains and this question covers part of it.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain what NRC is and a peek into history that led to the demand of NRC. Thereafter, we need to examine the impact of it. The pros and cons of NRC needs to be brought out. We need to highlight the ethical, political, societal, security impact of NRC. Finally, a way forward needs to be provided.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Briefly explain why NRC is in news and what it actually is.
Body
- Mention about the NRC of 1951, mass immigration from Bangladesh in 1971, protest by AASU in 1980s, Assam Accord and the final decision taken in 2005.
- Examine the issues and challenges that have arisen as a result of this exercise. Discuss the ethical issue of uprooting family etc, political issues including the impact on IR, societal issues such as the wider demand in North East, security issue which forms one of the backbone of the demand, administrative issues arising in such a massive exercise etc
- Examine how can we deal with these issues going forward
Conclusion – emphasize on the magnitude of challenges that will arise in the coming days and how to deal with them.
