Chandrayaan 2 scientist, family not part of final NRC

Assam’s final National Register of Citizens (NRC) list was published on August 31 and more than 19 lakh people did not make the cut. Of the 3.3 crore applicants, an estimated 3.1 crore featured in the final NRC.

While those who were excluded may mostly include illegal immigrants residing in the state, it spelt disaster for several Indians, who were declared non-residents following technical glitches.

Among the many residents and natives of Assam, who were left out of the final list, was noted scientist Jitendra Nath Goswami, who was an advisor on India’s second moon mission – Chandrayaan 2. Not just him, a Northeast Now report stated that none of his family members was a part of the final NRC either.

The twist here is that unlike most cases, the Chandrayaan 2 and Mangalyaan scientist had opted out of applying to have his name published in the NRC list for Assam. He is now a registered voter from Ahmedabad and does not wish to return to Assam. Speaking on the same, Goswami said he will contact his brother Hitendra Nath Goswami, who is the Speaker in the Assam Legislative Assembly, to decide the future course of action.