Manipur MP Bimol seeks reconsideration of a rejected Lok Sabha question on the present status, custody and preservation of NRC records.
Imphal, August 11: Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to reconsider the rejection of his Unstarred Question on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, arguing that the question seeks information about the present status of official records rather than matters of past history.
In a letter to the Speaker dated August 7, Bimol said his Unstarred Question No. 118125, listed for answer on August 11 and addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, was declined under Rule 41(1)(xv) on the ground that it sought information concerning “matters of past history.”
Bimol disputed the basis for the rejection, stating that the question seeks factual information on the current status of NRC records in Manipur, including which authority presently has custody of the records, whether they have been preserved or digitised and, if they are unavailable, the reasons for their non-availability.
Says NRC remains a current policy issue
Bimol argued that the NRC in Manipur cannot be treated solely as a historical matter because its implementation remains part of the state's ongoing public policy discussions.
He referred to resolutions unanimously adopted by the Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2022 and 2024 calling for implementation of the NRC.
The MP also cited recent statements by the Manipur government expressing readiness to conduct the NRC within the legal framework. He referred to the high-level consultative meeting on Manipur's demographic profile, where the issue of updating the NRC was discussed.
Bimol further pointed to demands for the “updation of NRC 1951”, arguing that the reference to updating the NRC necessarily relates to the existence and availability of earlier NRC records.
Cites Rule 41
In his representation, Bimol also cited Rule 41(1), which refers to questions concerning matters of public importance that are within the special cognizance of the minister to whom they are addressed.
He argued that the existence, custody and preservation of legacy NRC records have immediate administrative relevance because of their connection with current government policy.
Bimol also drew attention to the wording of Rule 41(1)(xv), which uses the expression “not ordinarily” in relation to matters of past history. He argued that this does not amount to an absolute bar where historical records have a direct bearing on an ongoing policy matter.
According to Bimol, his question seeks only factual information presently available with the government concerning official records that are relevant to a contemporary public policy issue.
He maintained that seeking such information is consistent with the purpose of Question Hour and Parliament's role in ensuring executive accountability.
Seeks admission of question
Bimol has therefore requested the Speaker to reconsider the decision declining admission of the question and allow it to be admitted for an answer by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The letter does not indicate whether the Speaker has taken a decision on the request for reconsideration.
