Single Citizenship in India A Pillar of National Unity

Explore how India's unique constitutional choice of single citizenship fosters integration, ensures uniform rights, and shapes the nation's identity, contrasting it with dual citizenship systems.

Introduction

The Indian Constitution, unlike some other federal systems, provides for a single citizenship for the entire country. This means that every Indian citizen, irrespective of their state of birth or residence, is a citizen of India alone and not of any particular state within the Union. This concept is a deliberate constitutional choice, deeply rooted in the historical context of India's independence and the framers' vision of a united and integrated nation. This section will explore the rationale behind adopting single citizenship, its implications, and a comparison with countries that follow a dual citizenship system.

(Source: Broad understanding synthesized from Laxmikanth, 'Indian Polity'; D.D. Basu, 'Introduction to the Constitution of India'; Granville Austin, 'The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation')

Core Content

5.4.1: Rationale behind Single Citizenship (Promoting unity, avoiding divided loyalties)

Promoting National Unity and Integration

India emerged from partition with diverse groups. Single citizenship was a tool to counter regionalism, parochialism, and secessionist tendencies, fostering a common Indian identity first and foremost.

Historical Context & Fissiparous Tendencies

Avoiding Divided Loyalties

Citizenship implies allegiance. Dual citizenship could create conflicts between Union and State loyalties. Single citizenship ensures primary allegiance to the Union of India.

Singular Allegiance to Union

Ensuring Uniform Rights and Privileges

Guarantees all citizens the same fundamental, civil, and political rights across India, preventing state-level discrimination (with limited, constitutionally scrutinised exceptions).

Equality Across States

Simplifying Legal and Administrative Processes

Streamlines laws for citizenship, passports, voting rights, and public services, avoiding complexities inherent in dual systems.

Efficiency & Clarity

Learning from Other Federations

Framers were cautious of dual citizenship in highly diverse India, opting for central authority and national cohesion unlike federations like the USA (where states were originally sovereign).

Strategic Constitutional Choice

Reflection of "Indestructible Union"

Aligns with the nature of the Indian Union, where states lack independent sovereign identity. Citizens belong to the Union, not states.

Nature of Indian Federalism

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar strongly advocated for single citizenship in the Constituent Assembly, emphasizing its role in building a united and integrated India.
(Source: Constituent Assembly Debates; Laxmikanth, 'Indian Polity'; Granville Austin, 'The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation')

5.4.2: Comparison with Dual Citizenship Systems (e.g., USA)

Feature Single Citizenship (India) Dual Citizenship (e.g., USA)
Nature of Citizenship Only one citizenship – that of India. No separate state citizenship. Citizen is concurrently a citizen of the federal government (USA) AND a citizen of the state where they reside.
Allegiance Singular allegiance to the Union of India. Potentially dual allegiance – to the federal government and to the state government.
Rights and Privileges Uniform civil and political rights for all citizens throughout India (subject to general restrictions). States may grant certain additional rights or privileges to their own citizens (limited by federal constitution).
Discrimination by States Constitution prohibits discrimination by states against citizens from other states on most grounds (Art 15). Domicile preferences are exceptions under scrutiny. Federal constitutional provisions (e.g., Privileges and Immunities Clause) aim to prevent undue discrimination.
Focus Promotes national unity, common identity, and a strong central authority. Reflects a compact between pre-existing sovereign or quasi-sovereign states forming a federation. Emphasizes state identity.
Historical Context Response to partition, need for integration of diverse entities, preventing fragmentation. Result of independent states voluntarily coming together to form a federation (e.g., original 13 colonies).
Passport Single Indian passport. Typically, only a federal passport is issued for international travel. State citizenship is an internal status.
Political Participation Right to vote and contest elections anywhere in India (subject to ordinary residence rules). Right to vote in federal and state elections. State citizenship often determines eligibility for state-level offices.
Simplicity Simpler legal and administrative framework concerning citizenship rights. Can lead to more complex legal questions regarding inter-state rights and obligations.

Key Distinctions Highlighted by the Comparison:

  • Origin of the Union: US federation formed by pre-existing states ceding some sovereignty; Indian Union established with states as administrative units within an overarching national framework.
  • Emphasis on Unity vs. State Rights: India prioritizes national unity and a strong centre, reflected in single citizenship. The US system retains a stronger emphasis on distinct state identity.
  • Practical Implications of State Citizenship in Dual Systems: In the US, state citizenship primarily determines rights related to state elections, jury duty, access to state benefits, and in-state tuition.

Is India's Single Citizenship an Advantage?

  • For India's context: Largely advantageous in fostering national unity, preventing legal complexities, and ensuring uniform rights.
  • Helped manage centrifugal forces in a highly diverse country.
  • However, strong regional identities persist, and debates around state autonomy continue, indicating that single citizenship alone does not eliminate regional assertions.

(Source: Laxmikanth, 'Indian Polity'; D.D. Basu, 'Introduction to the Constitution of India'; Comparative constitutional law texts)

Prelims-ready Notes

  • Single Citizenship in India: Every Indian is a citizen of India ONLY; no separate state citizenship. Uniform rights and privileges for all citizens throughout India.
  • Rationale behind Single Citizenship: Promote National Unity & Integration (counter fissiparous tendencies), Avoid Divided Loyalties (singular allegiance to Union), Ensure Uniform Rights, Simplify Legal/Admin Processes, Reflection of "Indestructible Union."
  • Comparison with Dual Citizenship (e.g., USA): India: One citizenship (national) vs. USA: Dual (federal + state). Allegiance: India (singular to Union) vs. USA (potentially dual). Focus: India (national unity) vs. USA (state identity alongside national). Origin: India (Union primary) vs. USA (states formed federation).
  • Article 9 of Constitution: Prohibits dual (Indian + foreign) citizenship.
Feature India (Single Citizenship) USA (Example of Dual Citizenship System - Federal & State)
Primary Identity Citizen of India Citizen of USA and Citizen of a specific State
Source of Rights Primarily from Indian Constitution for all citizens. Federal rights + some State-specific rights/privileges.
Loyalty Focus Towards the Union of India. Towards Federal Govt. and State Govt.
Aim National unity, integration, uniform rights. Balances federal unity with state identity/autonomy.
Administrative Impact Simpler framework. Potentially more complex.

Mains-ready Analytical Notes

Single Citizenship as a Nation-Building Tool

  • Deliberate strategy post-partition to subordinate regional identities to an overarching Indian identity.
  • Ensures uniform fundamental rights, creating a common civic space.
  • Contrasts with situations where state-level citizenships might foster stronger "sons of the soil" movements.

Implications for Federalism

  • Cited as a unitary feature, contributing to India's "quasi-federal" nature or "federalism with a strong central bias."
  • Signifies states are not sovereign entities.
  • Coexists with India's vibrant linguistic and cultural federalism, but doesn't eliminate regional identity.

Challenges to the Spirit of Single Citizenship

  • Domicile-based reservations in state jobs/education (Art 16(3) exceptions).
  • Inter-state disputes fueling regional chauvinism.
  • "Sons of the soil" sentiments impacting migrants.
  • Fostering deep emotional unity remains an ongoing challenge despite legal singularity.

Single Citizenship and Global Context

  • Many countries now permit dual/multiple citizenships for diaspora engagement.
  • India is strict (Art 9), but OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) scheme is a pragmatic response, offering many benefits short of formal dual citizenship.
  • Shows adaptation to global realities while retaining the formal principle.

Current Affairs and Recent Developments

  • Debates on "One Nation, One Identity": Political discourse around "One Nation, One Election," "One Nation, One Ration Card" implicitly strengthens the theme of singular national identity and administrative uniformity, aligning with single citizenship.
  • Diaspora Engagement Policies: Continued government efforts (e.g., Pravasi Bharatiya Divas) and the OCI scheme highlight the importance of connecting with the Indian diaspora, occasionally leading to discussions about benefits akin to dual citizenship, though Article 9 remains strict.
  • Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, and NRC: Debates surrounding these acts underscore the importance of a clear and uniform understanding of Indian citizenship, reinforcing the significance of the single citizenship framework as the basis for rights and belonging.

Note: The principle of single citizenship itself is a settled constitutional feature and rarely sees direct legislative or judicial challenge. Current affairs linkages are more about its implications in various policy debates or its contrast with how other countries manage multiple citizenships for their diaspora.

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs

1. In India, the concept of single citizenship is adopted from: (UPSC CSE 2008)
  • (a) England (United Kingdom)
  • (b) U.S.A.
  • (c) Canada
  • (d) France

Answer: (a)

Hint/Explanation: The UK has a system of single citizenship (British citizen). USA and Switzerland have dual citizenship (federal and state). Canada also has single national citizenship. India's parliamentary system and many legal traditions are influenced by the UK, and single citizenship aligns with this.

2. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2021)
  • There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
  • A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
  • A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 2 only
  • (c) 1 and 3 only
  • (d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (a)

Hint/Explanation:

  • 1. India has single citizenship. While domicile can be of a state for specific purposes, for constitutional purposes related to national citizenship, there's one Indian domicile. Generally correct.
  • 2. Incorrect. A naturalized citizen can also become President in India.
  • 3. Incorrect. Citizenship can be deprived under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Mains Questions

1. What is meant by the concept of ‘single citizenship’ in India? Discuss the rationale behind its adoption by the framers of the Constitution. (Conceptual & Analytical)

Direction/Value Points:

  • Introduction: Define single citizenship – one national citizenship, no separate state citizenship.
  • Rationale: Promoting national unity and integrity (key post-partition), avoiding divided loyalties, ensuring uniform rights and privileges, fostering a common Indian identity, simplifying legal framework, reflecting "indestructible Union" concept. Mention Dr. Ambedkar's views if possible.
  • Brief comparison with dual citizenship systems to highlight India's choice.
  • Conclusion: Single citizenship was a deliberate and crucial choice for India's unique context, aimed at nation-building and fostering cohesion.
2. "Single citizenship in India is a cornerstone of national unity, but its spirit is sometimes challenged by regional assertions and domicile-based preferences." Critically analyze this statement.

Direction/Value Points:

  • Introduction: Explain single citizenship and its aim of promoting unity.
  • How it acts as a Cornerstone of National Unity: Common rights, identity, allegiance; prevents legal basis for inter-state discrimination; facilitates free movement and settlement.
  • Challenges to its Spirit: Domicile-based Preferences (Art 16(3)); "Sons of the Soil" Movements; Inter-State Disputes; Regional Political Mobilization.
  • Critical Analysis: Are these challenges a failure of single citizenship, or complex socio-political issues existing despite it? How does the Constitution balance unity with regional aspirations? Legal provision is strong, but emotional integration needs more than law.
  • Conclusion: Single citizenship provides a strong legal foundation. Its full spirit requires continuous nurturing through policies promoting inter-state harmony and countering parochial tendencies, ensuring regional assertions remain within a united India's framework.

Trend Analysis (Past 10 Years)

Prelims Trend:

  • Focus on the basic concept of single citizenship in India.
  • Comparison with dual citizenship systems (especially USA) is sometimes implicitly tested.
  • Questions testing which rights are uniform due to single citizenship.
  • Linkage to Article 9 (no dual Indian-foreign citizenship).

Mains Trend:

  • Rationale for adopting single citizenship is a common theme.
  • Its impact on national unity and federalism.
  • Critical analysis of how well the principle works in practice, given regional assertions or domicile preferences.
  • Comparison with dual citizenship systems might be asked to highlight the pros/cons of India's choice.
  • Often discussed as one of the unitary features of the Indian Constitution.

Original MCQs for Prelims

1. The provision of single citizenship in the Indian Constitution primarily aims to:
  • (a) Grant more powers to the Central Government over the State Governments.
  • (b) Simplify the process of international travel for Indian citizens.
  • (c) Foster a sense of common national identity and prevent regional fissiparous tendencies.
  • (d) Ensure that all citizens pay uniform taxes throughout the country.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: The foremost objective of adopting single citizenship was to promote unity and a shared Indian identity, discouraging divisive regional loyalties, especially in the context of India's diversity and post-partition challenges.

2. Which of the following scenarios would directly lead to the termination of a person's Indian citizenship under Article 9 of the Constitution and Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955?
  • (a) An Indian citizen criticizes government policies while residing abroad.
  • (b) An Indian citizen marries a foreign national and resides in the foreign national's country.
  • (c) An Indian citizen voluntarily applies for and obtains the citizenship of another country.
  • (d) An Indian citizen fails to cast their vote in three consecutive general elections.

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Article 9 and Section 9 of the Citizenship Act provide for termination of Indian citizenship if an Indian citizen voluntarily acquires the citizenship of a foreign state. Marriage to a foreign national or residing abroad does not automatically terminate citizenship, nor does criticizing policies or not voting.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

1. "The framers of the Indian Constitution made a deliberate choice in adopting single citizenship, prioritizing national cohesion over federal symmetry seen in some other nations." Evaluate this choice, discussing its successes in nation-building and the persisting challenges to its underlying spirit.

Key Points/Structure for Answering:

  • Introduction: Explain the deliberate choice of single citizenship.
  • Prioritizing National Cohesion: Rationale (historical context, diversity); How it was expected to foster unity (common identity, uniform rights, single allegiance).
  • Contrast with Federal Symmetry: Why India didn't adopt dual citizenship (fear of centrifugal forces).
  • Successes in Nation-Building: Prevented legal fragmentation, common civic platform, facilitated inter-state mobility.
  • Persisting Challenges: Domicile-based preferences, "Sons of the soil" movements, inter-state disputes, identity politics.
  • Evaluation: Assess if the choice was correct and largely successful despite challenges.
  • Conclusion: Pragmatic and essential choice for nation-building. Spirit requires continuous reinforcement against narrow regionalism.
2. Compare and contrast the concept of citizenship and the rights available to individuals under India's single citizenship regime with a federal country that permits dual (federal and state) citizenship, such as the USA. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each system in their respective contexts?

Key Points/Structure for Answering:

  • Introduction: Define single and dual (federal/state) citizenship.
  • India (Single Citizenship): Nature (one national); Rights (uniform nationwide); Advantages (unity, no divided loyalty, simplicity); Disadvantages (may not address strong regional identities).
  • USA (Dual Federal/State Citizenship): Nature (federal + state); Rights (federal + state-specific); Advantages (recognizes state identity, historical context); Disadvantages (potential for inter-state differentiation, more complex).
  • Contextual Appropriateness: India (suited for diversity, post-partition unity); USA (evolved from distinct colonies).
  • Analysis: Focus on how each system serves its specific national context.
  • Conclusion: Neither is universally superior; suitability depends on context. India's choice was well-considered for its nation-building goals.