The Modi-led administration has proclaimed the enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) across India. Is the opposing faction in favour of it? What’s the intent behind CAA, and how can migrants seek Indian citizenship? All these queries find resolution.
On March 11, the central government delineated the regulations governing the implementation of the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act ahead of the 2024 General Elections.
This unequivocally indicates that the administration will extend Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who lack documentation and entered India on or before December 31, 2014. These persecuted non-Muslims encompass Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and Parsis.
Understanding the Citizenship Amendment Act The primary objective of the Act is to shield individuals seeking refuge in India due to religious persecution, offering them protection against any illegal migration proceedings.
However, it’s imperative to emphasize that eligibility for Indian citizenship through the CAA mandates the applicant’s presence in India on or before December 31, 2014. The Home Ministry articulated, “These regulations, termed the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, will facilitate eligible individuals under CAA-2019 to petition for Indian citizenship.”
Currently, Indian citizenship is conferred upon those born in India or who have resided in the country for at least 11 years.
It’s noteworthy that the amendment also nullifies Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) registration if the cardholder violates any Citizenship Act provisions.
The entire registration process will be conducted online. The Ministry of Home Affairs is devising a portal for this purpose. Applicants must specify the year of their entry into India.
Interestingly, no documentation will be requested from the applican
The CAA, passed in 2019, has encountered staunch opposition since its inception. Opposition factions contend that the law exhibits a discriminatory bias. This assertion stems from its focus on Muslims, constituting approximately 15 percent of India’s population. In response, the government assures that applications from other communities will also be considered.
The Congress party opines that the timing of the notification is geared towards polarizing the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Assam and West Bengal.
The anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests have claimed over 100 lives.
Picture Courtesy – News Box Bharat
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