DOINIK JUGASANKHA :Doinik Jugasankha in its issue dated 23rd August, 2016 published a report under the caption “এন আবসি নিয়ে পাৰ্শ্ববৰ্ত্তী বাজ্যেব সাহায্য নেয়নি অসম সবকাব : ভাগপ ” in which an Organisation called Bharatiya Gana Parishad (BHAGPA) is quoted to have alleged that a conspiracy is made to deprive two lakhs seventy thousand Bengalis from Tripura State from being included in NRC, Assam. The report further alleged that the no efforts have been made by the Govt of Assam to collect information on behalf of the Bengalis of Tripura from the Govt of Tripura which gives rise to increasing tension amongst the people coming from other States to live in Assam. It also quoted Shri Pabitra Kar, Deputy Speaker, Govt of Tripura as saying that Tripura Govt has already clarified through press release in media that the Govt of Assam has not taken any steps to collect any information from Tripura Govt.
Our Response :The report published in Doinik Jugasankha in its issue dated 23rd August, 2016 alleging that Govt of Assam has not sought any assistance and information from Government of Tripura for the Bengalis submitting documents issued by authorities under Govt of Tripura for inclusion of their names in NRC as part of a conspiracy to deprive them from inclusion in NRC, Assam is totally false, concocted and misleading. The fact remains that in compliance of Clause 3(1) of Schedule of ”The Citizenship(Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003”, 25008 documents of various categories in six batches have so far been sent for verification of their authenticity to Chief Secretary, Tripura since 9th January, 2016. The Govt of Tripura has already sent verification results against 1049 documents to the State Coordinator of NRC. With every subsequent batch of documents sent beginning with the first batch dated 09-01-16, the Chief Secretary, Tripura has continuously been requested to communicate the verification results to the State Coordinator of NRC at the earliest possible, preferably within 20 days of receipt of the documents as NRC updation is a time bound project being conducted under monitoring of the Supreme Court of India. In addition to the request made by the State Coordinator, RGI wrote D.O letter to all State Governments & UT administrations including Tripura to extend their cooperation and assistance in verifying the authenticity of the respective documents preferably within 20 days from the date of receipt of documents vide D.O.No.9/56/2014-CRD (NPR) dated 22nd January, 2016. RGI also sent directives to the Directorate of Census Operations of all State/UTs to liaise and coordinate with their respective State authorities vide No.9/56/2014-CRD (NPR) dated 15-02-16 in response to which, Deputy Director, Census Operation, Tripura is understood to have coordinating the document verification issue with Govt of Tripura. The State Coordinator, NRC, Assam reminded the Chief Secretary, Tripura about the very poor percentage of verification results received against documents sent to Tripura State which is likely to cause serious impediment in completing the process of updating of NRC within Supreme Court stipulated timelines vide No. SPMU/NRC/SVC-INTER STATE/254/2016/155-173 dated 4th June, 2016. The Chief Secretary, Assam also wrote D.O letter to the Chief secretary, Tripura with request for early return of verification results against the documents sent to Tripura State vide D.O letter No.SPMU/NRC/SVC-ISV/291/2016/9 dated 16th June,2016. Over and above, RGI has issued another D.O letter in continuation of their D.O letter dated 22nd January, 2016 to Chief Secretaries of all State/UT administrations including State of Tripura reiterating the need to expedite the results of verification of documents to the SCNR vide D.O letter No. 9/56/2014-CRD (NPR) dated 10th August, 2016. In view of what have been stated above, the alleged report published in Jugasankha in its issue dated 23rd August, 2016 is but a travesty of truth and members of the public are requested not to get misled by such concocted and false media report.
Asomiya Pratidin Reports : (1) “Asomiya Pratidin” in its 25th August, 2015 issue published a report captioned “বৰছলাৰনতুনপাণবাৰীসেৱাকেন্দ্ৰৰকৰ্ম্মচাৰীৰতৎপৰতাৰনমুনা-বৰিগাৱঁৰপথতউদ্ধাৰজমাদিয়াএনআৰচিপ্ৰপত্ৰ” 
alleging administrative laxity and negligence in performance of NRC duties on the part of district functionaries of Udalguri district which got reflected in recovery of 45 NRC application forms submitted by the public in Natun Panbari VCDC NSK of the district on Borigaon Dighalipar Road. The incident, as per the report, has caused widespread anguish and discontent amongst various section of the people.
Our Response : Soon after noticing the news item, The Deputy Commissioner of Udalguri district was contacted over telephone and asked to furnish a factual report on the alleged recovery of NRC application forms submitted in Natun Panbari VCDC NSK on public roads. Telephonic information on the incident was also obtained from the Circle Officer (CRCR) i/c Majbat Revenue Circle earlier today. The enquiry report of Deputy Commissioner, Udalguri has already been received which reveals that 45 NRC application forms kept at the custody of two computer operators engaged at the NSK by WIPRO for uploading of data were found on the side of a road at village Natun Panbari under Natun Panbari NSK. All the 45 NRC applications have now been brought to the NSK. An FIR has also reportedly been lodged in the Orang police station and investigation into the matter is now on. Meanwhile, Execution Director,
WIPRO has also been called up and asked to enquire into the circumstances leading to recovery of 45 NRC application forms in public road which were formally received by his operators for uploading after pagination. Both DC, Udalguri and ED, WIPRO have been directed to take immediate corrective actions with intimation to the State Coordinator.
Asomiya Pratidinin Reports : Asomiya Pratidinin its 24th August, 2015 issue published a news item captioned “এনআৰচিৰডাটাএন্ট্ৰিৰকৰ্ম্মচাৰীকবঞ্চনাৰঅভিযোগ- মহানগৰীৰআইএছএছকোম্পানীৰবিৰূদ্ধেউত্তালপ্ৰতিবাদ” which alleged that ISS, a company engaging Data Entry Operators to digitize NRC application data at various centres in the city has been cheating them by paying lesser amount of remuneration than what has been notified through a government advertisement. The employer company representatives alleged to have misbehaved with the operators for which they complained to the local police station for taking action against the company.
Our Response : The issue relating to contractual engagement of computer operators including the terms and conditions of their service is purely a bilateral one in between the company and the operators. NRC authority is outsourcing the required services through the service provider and has not issued any government advertisement for jobs indicating remuneration of Rs. 10000/-pm as alleged. However, updating of an error free NRC in the state is a time bound priority work and works cannot be allowed to be stalled at any cost in the larger interest of the state. The Hon’ble Supreme Court’s timeline will have to be honoured by all and sundry. Any attempt from any quarter to derail the proceedings will be viewed by the Hon’ble court as an act in violation of Article 144 of the Constitution of India. The concerned parties have been advised to resolve the issues, if any, by taking mutually conducive corrective actions forthwith.
Doinik Agradoot Reports : “Doinik Agradoot” in its 19th August, 2015 issue published a report captioned “যোৰহাটত নাগৰিক পঞ্জীৰ প্ৰপত্ৰ গ্ৰহণত প্ৰশাসনৰ শিথিলতা….” alleging administrative laxity and apprehension about inclusion of names of suspected persons.
Our Response : TheDeputy Commissioners of all the districts across the state have geared up their machineries to complete the process of receipt of application forms from the residents living in their respective districts within the closure date on 31-08-2015. Inclusion of names of the applicants in NRC will be finalized only after satisfactory results of verification of documents to be adduced and proving personal identification before the verification teams. In the instant case, DC, Jorhat has been asked to enquire into the report alleging laxity of Jorhat district administration giving rise to the possibility of inclusion of names of non-Indians in the District NRC, Jorhat matter and to take corrective action.
Janasadharan Rrports : Janasadharan in its 19th August, 2015 issue published a news item captioned “ডবকাত এন আৰ চি সেৱা কেন্দ্ৰত গাফিলতি-প্ৰাপ্তিৰ ৰচিদ প্ৰদানত বিলম্ব” which alleged prevalance of anomalies in NSKs under Dabaka Revenue Circle in Hojai sub-division of Nagaon district.
Our Response : The Deputy Commissioner, Nagaon and the Execution Director, WIPRO have been asked to look into the alleged reportabout prevalence of anomalies in the concerned NSKs and to take corrective actions immediately.
Doinik Agradoot Reports : “Doinik Agradoot” in its 17th August, 2015 issue published a report captioned “সমস্যাৰেজৰ্জ্জৰিতনদুৱাৰৰএনআৰচিসেৱাকেন্দ্ৰ- আজিকৰ্মবিৰতিঘোষনাকম্পিউটাৰঅপাৰেট’ৰৰ”- which alleged that the NSK Operators under Naduar Revenue Circle have planned to go on ‘cease work’strike being confronted with severe operational problems including failure to get the promised hike in their remuneration.
Our Response : (1) :- Deputy Commissioner/Addl Deputy Commissioner i/c NRC, Sonitpur district and the Execution Director, WIPRO were called up to give current status report on functioning of all the 19 NSKs under Naduar Revenue Circle promptly. Accordingly, reports received from ADC i/c, NRC, Sonitpur district and Execution Director, WIPRO reveal that all the 19 NSKs under Naduar Revenue Circle in Sonitpur district are functioning normally and there are no issues relating to inadequate supply of POL or non-payment of remuneration to operators at agreed rates etc affecting the progress of NRC works adversely in the district as alleged in the media report. The Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur, however, has been asked to furnish a formal report on the matter and to take all necessary corrective action as required to accomplish the work in his district timely.
Amar Asom Reports : Amar Asom in its 17th August, 2015 issue published a news item captioned “মেৰাপানীতপঞ্চায়তসচিবৰঅনুপস্থিতিৰবাবেএনআৰচিপ্ৰপত্ৰইদাখিলকৰিবপৰানাইঅধিকাংশই- ব্যৱস্থাগ্ৰহণৰদাবীতজিলাউপায়ুক্তকঅভিযোগএবছুৰ” alleging that irregularity in attending office by the G.P Secretary of Simanta Gaon Panchayat under Gamariguri Development Block in Golaghat district has caused immense inconvenience to the members of the public under the GP area in collecting NRC related documents/certificates. The report further alleged that people are made to suffer as some officers have been entrusted with the responsibility for more than one offices. DC/CEO are of no avail, the report stated.
Our Response : The Deputy Commissioners as District Registrars of Citizen Registration for their respective districts have been managing the affairs of updating of NRC process including manpower resources at their disposals effectively. In the instant case, Deputy Commissioner, Golaghat has been asked to look into the matter and to take immediate corrective action to ameliorate the inconvenience faced by the public of Merapani area.
Janasadharan Reports : “Janasadharan” in its 12th August, 2015 issue published a report captioned “নগাঁৱৰ গ্ৰাম্যাঞ্চলত এন আৰ চি’ৰ প্ৰ-পত্ৰ পূৰণৰ নামত ধন সংগ্ৰহ দুষ্ট চক্ৰৰ”- which alleged that poor and illiterate villagersunder Hatichung, Kachamari and SilpukhuriMouzas of western parts in Nagaon district are looted by a section of touts and opportunist elementsin the name of filling in their NRC application forms. The report further alleged that the unscrupulous elements are running their money making businessby charging Rs. 150/- to Rs 300/- per form sitting openly in front of GP Offices which is resented by the conscious people of Nagaon.
Our Response : Deputy Commissioners including DC of Nagaon district are learnt to have organized community level meetings at Gaon Panchayat/Ward levels to sensitize and build capacity of people of their respective districts in matters relating to filling in NRC forms.Required IEC materials including practice sheets, illustrations and CDs on form fill up techniques were supplied to them for distribution and imparting trainings to people. All the DCs were also urged to build up voluntary groups comprising of school/collegeteachers, students, socio-cultural organizations, NGOs, Tea Garden welfare officers/ line Chowkidars etc to assist people to fill in their application forms. Massive media campaign on how to fill in forms is also continuuing for the benefit of the people. All conscious people are also expected to lend their support and help to their fellow residents who find it difficult to fill in their forms by themselves. In the instant case, Deputy Commissioner, Nagaon has been asked to cause an immediate enquiry in to the alleged looting of villagers of western Mouzas in Nagaon district and to take corrective action.
Doinik Agradoot Reports : Doinik Agradoot in its 7th August, 2015 issue published a report captioned “ৰাষ্ট্ৰীয় নাগৰিক পঞ্জী উন্নীতকৰণৰ লেহেমীয়া গতিত আহূকাল-দৈনিক বিকল হয় কম্পিউটাৰ : কৰ্ত্তৃপক্ষ নিৰৱ” which alleged that only 410 NRC application forms have been received during the entire month of July, 2015 at Gorubat Madhabpara GP NSK under Kampur Revenue Circle in Nagaon district. Quoting computer operators Khairul Islam and Rofiqul Islam of the NSK,the report also alleged that the computer sets in the NSK get malfunctioned on a regular basis hampering the progress of receipt of application forms. It further alleged that the GP Secretary of Madhabpara GP does not attend office causing harassment to the people in need of different NRC related certificates/documents. The NSK also reportedly lack basic minimum facilities for public.
Our Response : As informed by System Integrator (WIPRO)’s Execution Director,total number of applications received during July, 2015 stands at 420 whereas the total number for households against the said NSK is 3150 (as per 2011 Census reports). As on 11th August, the total number of Application Forms received at the reported NSK is 1376. Computer sets are also reportedly working smoothly. The Printer cum Scanner deployed in the NSKs need intermittent restfor 10-15 minutes as it is likely to get heated on continued use. However, Deputy Commissioner, Nagaon has been asked to look into the issues relating to dereliction of duty on the part of Madhabpara GP Secretary and lack of adequate facilities for public in the NSK and to ensure taking corrective action.
Amar Asom Reports : Amar Asom in its 7th August, 2015 issue published a news item captioned “ সম্পৰ্কমূলক চাৰ্টিফিকেতৰ নামত উৎকোচ সংগ্ৰহৰ অভিযোগ-উদমাৰী এন আৰ চি কেন্দ্ৰ ঘেৰাও প্ৰতিবাদী ৰাইজৰ” as per which the people of Udmari GP area under Bilasipara Development Blockgharaoed the Udmari NSK protesting against the corrupt practices indulged in by Ali Hussain, the GP Secretary of Udmari GP under Bilasipara sub division in Dhuburi district.
Our Response : The Deputy Commissioner, Dhubri has been asked to enquire into the alleged corrupt practices affecting NRC updating works indulged in by Ali Hussain, GP Secretary of Udmari and to take immediate corrective action.
Niyomiya Bartta : The Niyomiya Bartta in its 5th August issues published a column captioned “ডেৰগাঁওএনআৰচিসেৱাকেন্দ্ৰতএখন্তেক -অভিজ্ঞতা” by ShriAmrit Kumar Thakur in which a number of issues concerning the functioning of Dergaon NSK that include non issuance of receipt to applicants against application forms, want of summary abstract, seals and irregular attendance of NSK officials etc. have been raised.
Our Response : The Deputy Commissioner, Golaghat has been asked to look into all the alleged anomalies that have been pointed out by Mr. Thakur in his write up and to ensure taking corrective action to address the issues immediately.
Doinik Janambhumi Reports : Doinik Janambhumi in its 5th August,2015 issue published a news item captioned “চমকঙৰএনআৰচিসেৱাকেন্দ্ৰতচুৰিকাণ্ড” in which it is said that one Laptop Computer, two Monitors, one Printerand one Generator set have been stolen by thief from Chamkang NSK in SimenChapori under Dhemeji district causing disruption of works at the NSK.
Our Response : In a few of instances of theft encountered immediate replacement of the items stolen has been made possible. Similar was the case at Chamkang NSK where immediately replacement for all stolen items was provided so that normal works at the NSK could be restored without any delay.It is worth mentioning that night chowkidas are engaged in the NSKs across Assam. In this stated NSK of Dhemaji also a chowkidar has been engaged, which, however, was absent from his duty on the given day for which the heft could occur. The Deputy Commissioner is further instructed to take corrective action with regard to safety and security of the properties at the NSKs under his district to avoid avoidable disruption of time bound functions in the NSKs.
The Telegraph Reports : The Telegraph in its 5th August issue published a news item under the caption “NRC chill in Leprosy Colony” which alleged that non availability of documents has compelled the families of Leprosy Colony bordering Nagaland in Jorhat district to be chill in their approach towards inclusion of their names in NRC. The area has been reported to be a very backward and remote one which needs special attention.
Our Response : The Deputy Commissioner, Jorhat has been asked to look into the matter and to take action for facilitating the families in filling in their NRC application forms.
Doinik Janambhumi/Amar Asom/Niyomiya Bartta/Agradoot/ Asomiya Pratidin/ Asomiya Khabar Reports: The Doinik Janambhumi/Amar Asom/Niyomiya Bartta/Agradoot/ Asomiya Pratidin/ Asomiya Khabar in their 3rd August issues published a news item captioned “এনআৰচিকেন্দ্ৰতচুৰি” which reveals that the computers of Bonda NSK in Kamrup Metropolitan district have been stolen by thieves and other papers in the NSK were also ransacked.
Our Response : The Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup Metropolitan district has been asked to enquire into the matter and take corrective action. The Circle Officer, Chandrapur and local CRCR informed that an FIR is already lodged with the local police station and the matter is being investigated into. Meanwhile, the SI (WIPRO) has been directed to install computer sets in the NSK so that receipt of application forms from the public are not disrupted. The people are assured that their applications/documents remain intact with the NRC authority and they need not worry on this account.
Janasadharan Reports : The Janasadharan in its 3rd August,2015 issue published a news item captioned “বিশ্বনাথতএনআৰচি’ৰবাবেজন্মাৰপ্ৰমাণপত্ৰজালিয়াতি – সেৱাকেন্দ্ৰৰআবেদনপৰীক্ষণৰবাবেবিশেষগোট” in which it reveals that consequent upon detection of fake birth certificate racket in the Biswanath Civil Sub-Division, the Sub-Divisional administration has taken a decision to scrutinize the authenticity of all the birth certificates enclosed with the NRC application forms and also to constitute a special task force with the Circle Officer/CRCR, Addl SP (Law & Order), Sub-Divisional Health Officer, Health officer of PHC,Sub_Divisional Fishery Officer and ShriT.Hazarika, LRCR as the member Secretary to unearth any such fake certificate issuing racket in the sub-division.
Our Response : The initiative of the Biswanath Civil Sub_Division administration is laudable and such initiatives could also be replicated in other districts/Sub-Divisions to prevent the menace of fake certificates issuing rackets in the state. The Government has already issued instructions to the districts to take appropriate action on this account.
Asomiya Pratidinin Reports : The Asomiya Pratidinin its 2nd August, 2015 issue published a report to the effect that a student named Madan Das s/o Bhanu Das and Sabitri Das of DhipujiJanpam under Mayong GP Of Chandrapur area in Kamrup Metropolitan district who went to his maternal uncle’s house at Dalimbari village under Raha Police Station in Nagaon district in search of legacy data of his mother is missing for the last few days. The family members are reported to be in distress.
Our Response : It seems the report is unconfirmed to the extent of the purported cause of the incident of missing as linked with searching for legacy data. While sharing the distress of the family, it is reiterated that no one is required to undertake any journey to and fro his/her residence to search for legacy data as one can access legacy data for the entire state, as available, inany nearest NSK from home. Wide publicity has already been given to this effect and media too is expected to highlight this aspect for the benefit of the public.
The Telegraph Reports :(1) The Telegraph in its 2nd August, 2015 issue published a report captioned “No receipt for forms, allege Dhuburi villagers. NRC norms flouted by Seva Kendra Staff” wherein it is alleged that no receipt is given to applicants against submitted forms with documents and people are apprehensive of loss of their application/documents. The report also indicates unhappiness of some applicants for having to stand in queue for long 7 hours before submission of forms and fornon-availability of sitting arrangements/drinking water in the NSK designated for Sapatgram Town Committee area.
(2) In another news item in its 2nd August ’15 issue, The Telegraph reported about arrest of one Zumor Ali (27) from Ghoramara area under Balajan PHC in Kokrajhar district for alleged issuance of fake birth certificates for NRC purpose. The Kokrajhar Police has reportedly registered a case vide Kokrajhar PS case NO. 638/15 u/s 471/467/468 IPC based on FIR lodged by Dr. NiluKr.Brahma, Health Officer of Balagaon Block Health Centre, Kokrajhar and apprehended Zumor Ali from his residence with some fake birth certificates. The Sentinel and AsomiyaKhabar also have published the same news item in their 2nd August’15 issues.
Our Response : (1)The Deputy Commissioners have already been issued detailed instructions on the procedure to be followed for receipt of application forms. All the field level officers and functionaries were also imparted training for this. As indicated in the report, SCNR has already took up the matter with the DC, Dhuburi and issued direction to ensure corrective actions as per set procedure. The DC, Dhuburi is also urged to provide basic facilities in all the NSKs under his district for the applicants. Applicants’ forms/documents are at safe custody of NRC authority once they are formally submitted.
(2) The district administration of Kokrajhar has taken a laudable step by taking legal action against the person found to be involved in issuance of fake birth certificate. Such action on the part of law enforcing authorities would send a signal to all those who are involved in such racket as to the futility of producing and using such fake certificates.
Agradoot Reports : The Agradoot in its 2nd August,2015 issue published a report under the caption “চাৰিমাহেআপলোডনহ’লএনআৰচিক’ড” wherein it is alleged that legacy data of two villages named Phulbari and Ganakpara under Chenga Revenue Circle in Barpeta district are yet to be made available even though the district administration has been promising to do it for the last four months. The report indicates that the SCNR when met by the villagers at Dispur assured them to do the needful within 10 days.
Our Response : As promised by the SCNR, the legacy data codes are made available in the NRC website and the villagers can now access their legacy data codes as generated on available records.
The Sentinel Reports : The Sentinel in its 2nd August,2015 issue published a report to the effect that Golaghat Press Club set up an NRC facilitation Centre to help people in completing formalities for NRC upgrade where they assisted people in submitting forms online and also imparting training. Various organizations and citizens are availing of the benefit of the facilitation centre.
Our Response : The NRC authority appreciates the noble act of Golaghat Press Club for taking unto themselves to perform their social responsibility. Other organizations too are expected to take a leaf out of their book for the common benefit of the people of their own areas.
Asomiya Khabar/ Agradoot Reports : The Asomiya Khabar and Agradoot in their 2nd August,2015 issues published a report captioned “মৰিগাঁৱতজন্মৰ ২০ হাজাৰপ্ৰমাণপত্ৰৰকেলেংকাৰী, উপায়ুক্তৰকাৰ্যালয়তেবেহা ” wherein it is alleged that racket of twenty thousand fake birth certificates has taken place in Morigaon district. The centre of the racket is alleged to be the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Morigaon itself. It is doubted if the Morigaon police will be able to destroy the racket of fake birth certificate in the district.
Our Response : Deputy Commissioner, Morigaon has been asked to cause a thorough enquiry in to the alleged fake birth certificate rackets in his office/district and to take corrective action as per law.
Doinik Janambhumi Reports : The Doinik Janambhumi in its 2nd August, 2015 issue published a report captioned “মাজুলীতএনআৰচি’ত ১০ হাজাৰলোকৰনামবাদপৰাৰআশাংকা” which alleged that exclusion of names of about ten thousand people belonging to SC/ST/Economically Backward classes from NRC are feared at Majuli due to their inherent indifferent attitude towards need for inclusion and also for lack of any awareness campaign either at the initiative of Government or any socio-cultural organization. The report also published report on the concern of the local Advocates Association about certificates issued by the local Gaonburhas in immigrant dominated areas of the state.
Our Response : The Deputy Commissioner/SDO (Civil), MajuliJorhat have been asked to look into the issue immediately and to ensure taking corrective action to get all the residents of the sub-division included in NRC. The local Advocate Association too, render valuable services through mass awareness programmes to sensitize and elicit support and participation of all the communities like Golaghat Press Club has been doing.
