Kolkata, December 16: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday issued an order to stay the preparation/updation of the National Population Register (NPR) process in the state. The directive has been issued to the census cell, in which it has been stated that no census activities will be taken up without clearance from the West Bengal government.

Releasing the order through Home & Hill Affairs Department, the Additional Secretary to the West Bengal government wrote, "I am directed to inform you that all activities regarding the preparation/updation of the National Population Registrar (NPR) are hereby stayed in West Bengal. No Activity regarding NPR may be taken up without prior clearance from the Govt. of West Bengal. This order is issued in the interest of public order." West Bengal Issues Media Advisory Amid Anti-CAA Protests, Says TV Channels Must Not Repeatedly Show Old Footage of Violence.

Here is the screenshot of the directive:

NPR stay order. (Photo Credit: Screenshot)
NPR stay order. (Photo Credit: Screenshot)

According to the NPR, the document all the usual residents -- regarding citizenship and others -- are prepared at the local, sub-District, District, State and National level under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955. A person residing the area for the past 6 months or more, or intends to do the same has to mandatorily register in the NPR.

it is to be known that the recent directive is coming at a time when West Bengal government has stated that it will not implement the National Register of Citizens and Citizenship Amendment Act in the state. CM Banerjee even marched against the CAA in Kolkata on Monday and dared the Union government to implement governor's rule in state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 16, 2019 08:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).