Assam government to set up 200 foreigners' tribunal

GUWAHATI: With final National Register of Citizens (NRC) published last month, Assam government is now in the process of setting up 200 foreigners' tribunal in 79 locations spread across 33 districts.
A senior official in the Home and Political Department of Assam, who do not want to be named, told ET, “Based on the report of the Deputy Commissioners pertaining to the requirement of Foreigners Tribunal, we have decided to set up 200 new foreigners tribunal in 79 locations across 33 districts.”

He added, “Kamrup Metro (which includes Guwahati) will have highest 15 tribunals. Nagaon will also get 15 new tribunal, 11 tribunal will come up in Hojai, nine each in Cachar, Tinsukia besides one each in Charaideo, Dima Hasao, and Majuli.”

Supreme Court monitored final list of NRC left around 19,06,657 people and after getting certified copies of rejection these people may be able move foreigners tribunal for further claim.

A senior official associated with NRC process said, " The process of sending the certified copies of rejection is likely to start in November. Once a person gets the copies he will be able to move Foreigners tribunal within 120 days.”

Presently there is 100 foreigners' tribunal functioning in the state. The government has a plan to add another 400 new tribunals gradually, in the first phase 200 tribunals will come up. Assam government had sought 1000 foreigners tribunal from Ministry of Home Affairs.

The official added, “We are expecting to start the tribunal by October-November. Already a list of 221 people selected for appointment as members of Foreigners Tribunals is prepared.”

Till March 2019 there is around 2, 07,311 cases are pending in the tribunal.