Laxmikanth Test : Citizenship - UPSC MCQ

Statement I correctly explains the process of renouncement of overseas citizen status by making a declaration, leading to the individual ceasing to hold an overseas citizen of India card. Statement II accurately describes the circumstances under which the Central Government can cancel the registration of an overseas citizen of India cardholder. However, these two statements are not interconnected or explanatory of each other, hence option (b) is the correct answer.

Statement-I is incorrect as it falsely states that Overseas Citizen of India cardholders are entitled to all rights granted to Indian citizens, which contradicts the information provided in the passage. Statement-II is correct since it accurately reflects that Overseas Citizen of India cardholders are not entitled to certain rights granted to Indian citizens, such as registration as a voter or membership in legislative bodies, as specified by the Central Government.

Statement 1 is correct. India's system of single citizenship indeed ensures uniform political and civil rights for all citizens across the country, regardless of their state of birth or residence.

Statement 2 is incorrect. There are exceptions where the Constitution allows states to provide benefits or preferences to their residents in matters not covered by constitutional rights.

Statement 3 is correct. Article 19 protects the freedom of movement and residence but entails restrictions on outsiders' rights to settle in tribal areas to safeguard the interests of scheduled tribes and protect their culture and property.

- The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015, indeed merged the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card schemes into the OCI Cardholder scheme.
- This integration aimed to simplify and provide uniform benefits, making it easier for people of Indian origin living abroad to access privileges like visa-free travel to India.
- Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides the rationale behind the action described in Statement-I. Thus, option A is correct.

Statement-I is correct as citizenship from foreign territory can indeed extend to specified individuals residing in that territory. Statement-II is also correct as special provisions, like those in the Assam Accord, do grant citizenship based on factors such as residency and registration. However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but rather provides additional information on a different aspect of citizenship provisions. Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Statement-I is correct because individuals who were citizens of another country but belonged to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947, are indeed eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India cardholders. However, Statement-II is incorrect as it does not accurately reflect the eligibility criteria for minor children or individuals with Indian citizen parents. The eligibility criteria mentioned in Statement-II are not entirely accurate according to the provided content.

India follows a system of single citizenship, which is distinct from the dual citizenship system seen in countries like the USA and Australia. This means that every citizen of India enjoys the same rights and duties regardless of the state in which they reside, promoting a uniform political and civil rights framework across the country. Statement 1 is correct. The principle of single citizenship indeed aims to provide a uniform political and civil rights framework throughout the nation, ensuring that citizens do not face discrimination based on their state of residence. Statement 2 is also correct. However, Article 35-A, which granted special rights and privileges to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in 2019, making statement 3 incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement-I: Citizenship can be terminated if an individual voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country during peacetime.

• This statement is correct. In many countries, including India, acquiring the citizenship of another country typically results in the termination of the original citizenship, as dual citizenship is not permitted.

Statement-II: Citizenship can be terminated if a citizen voluntarily renounces their citizenship during peacetime.

• This statement is also correct. Voluntarily renouncing one's citizenship leads to the termination of that citizenship, regardless of whether it occurs during peacetime or wartime.

Explanation: Both statements are accurate regarding the termination of citizenship. Statement-I pertains to the acquisition of another nationality, while Statement-II deals with the voluntary renunciation of citizenship. Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I but both are valid in the context of citizenship termination.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

  3. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Article 19 of the Indian Constitution indeed guarantees the freedom of movement and the right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India to all citizens, making statement 1 correct. However, these freedoms can be restricted to protect the interests of any Scheduled Tribe, as special provisions are made for the protection of the cultural and economic interests of the tribal populations. Thus, statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the special provisions under Article 19 are not uniformly applicable across all states; certain states or regions may have specific restrictions to protect local interests, such as the Inner Line Permit system in some northeastern states. Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

Statement 1 is correct. Double citizenship would indeed create issues of discrimination in matters such as voting rights, holding public offices, and professional opportunities, as states may favor their own citizens.

Statement 2 is correct. The special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was based on Article 35-A, was indeed abolished in 2019.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian Constitution does not allow states to define their own citizenship criteria; Indian citizenship is uniform and applicable to all citizens across the country.