India follows the concept of “single citizenship,” which means that every citizen of India is considered to be a citizen of the Indian Union, regardless of their state of origin or residence. This is in contrast to countries that follow the concept of “dual citizenship,” where citizens have both national and state citizenship.
Under the Indian Constitution, citizenship is a federal subject, meaning that the central government has the power to grant, revoke or regulate citizenship. The Constitution defines a citizen of India as anyone who was born in India on or after January 26, 1950, or who was born outside India but whose parents are Indian citizens.
The concept of single citizenship in India is based on the idea of national unity and integration, and is meant to promote a sense of belonging and allegiance to the country as a whole. By ensuring that all citizens have equal rights and privileges regardless of their state of origin, the concept of single citizenship is intended to foster a sense of national identity and unity.
However, some critics have argued that the concept of single citizenship can lead to a sense of alienation among citizens who feel disconnected from the central government, particularly those who live in states that are culturally, linguistically, or ethnically distinct from the rest of the country. Despite these criticisms, the concept of single citizenship remains a fundamental feature of India’s federal system of governance.
