Aadhaar, PAN card likely for minorities from Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Religious minorities from Pakistan staying in India on long-term visa could soon be issued Aadhaar/PAN cards and driving licence, besides being allowed to open bank accounts and buy houses without prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India.

As part of its efforts to alleviate the hardships faced by Pakistanis belonging to Hindu and Sikh community, the government has proposed these facilities to make their stay on a long-term visa comfortable. The move includes waiving the requirement of personal appearance before FRRO/FRO for registration, a must for Pakistanis. The home ministry also proposes to allow them to move freely within the state or Union Territory of their stay, instead of restricting their movement within the place of stay.

As per the home ministry proposal, the procedure for grant of citizenship to them has been simplified too. The collector, deputy commissioner or district magistrate may authorise, in his absence, an officer of the rank of SDM to administer the oath of allegiance to the applicant.