It’s been over six years since protests shook India about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The government planned a National Population Register (NPR), which many viewed as a step toward a nationwide NRC. However, since the protests, the NPR has not received much attention. The 2026-27 Union Budget shows that the Modi led central government remains focused on an updated NPR.
Modi allocate 6,000 crore for National Population Register
During the 2019 anti-CAA protests, the NPR seen as a key step toward creating a nationwide NRC. This sparked a significant controversy, as some people believed it targeted a specific community.
In the Union Budget for 2026-27, the government allocated Rs 6,000 crore for the upcoming Census and the NPR.
The NPR is a register of usual residents in the country. It is governed by the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, established under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Budget allocated under RGI
The funding comes even though no official notice issued yet about updating or starting a new enumeration for the National Population Register. In July 2025, the Home Ministry said in Parliament that the government not decided to update the NPR.
It’s important to know that the Budget allocation of Rs 6,000 crore falls under the category “Census, Survey and Statistics/Registrar General of India (RGI).” This amount includes funding for the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, various RGI schemes, the NPR, and preparations for the Census in 2027. Out of this, Rs 218 crore designated for capital expenses.
Read also: Swati Maliwal Exposes Private Hospital Price Gouging in Parliament