Centre grants citizenship certificates in Bengal, Haryana, Uttarakhand under CAA

The Centre started issuing citizenship certificates under the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, to applicants from West Bengal on Wednesday. This marks a crucial step in the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The Empowered Committee in West Bengal granted citizenship to the first batch of applicants under the amended rules. 

This process aligns with similar actions taken by Empowered Committees in Haryana and Uttarakhand, which also issued citizenship certificates to their initial set of applicants.

Background of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules

The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, were officially notified by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on March 11, 2024. This notification came four years after the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament in December 2019. The rules provide a detailed framework for implementing the provisions of the CAA.

Here's a sample of CAA certificate:

First citizenship certificates

On May 15, 2024, two months after the rules were notified, the first set of citizenship certificates under the CAA was issued to 14 individuals. This milestone marked the beginning of the practical application of the amended citizenship laws.

What is purpose of the CAA?

The CAA amends the Citizenship Act of 1955, creating a fast-track pathway to Indian citizenship for migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The act specifically targets individuals from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian communities who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, and faced religious persecution in their countries of origin.

Controversy and debate around CAA

Since its passage, the CAA has been at the center of intense debate and widespread protests across India. Critics argue that the act discriminates based on religion and violates the secular principles of the Indian Constitution. On the other hand, supporters assert that it provides necessary protection to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries.