The Modi government at the centre has issued a notification for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This is a significant step by the central government before the Lok Sabha elections.
Under this, non-Muslim migrants from three neighbouring countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) can now obtain Indian citizenship. They will need to apply through the online portal prepared by the central government.
Additionally, security has been increased in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and several other states after the issuance of the notification by the centre.
The BJP included the CAA in its manifesto before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, making it a major issue. Home Minister Amit Shah had mentioned the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act or CAA several times in his recent election speeches.
He had announced that it would be implemented before the Lok Sabha elections. Now, the central government has issued a notification for its implementation.
In 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government amended the citizenship law. It provided for granting citizenship to six minority communities (Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and Parsi) who arrived from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh before December 31, 2014.
According to the regulations, the authority to grant citizenship will rest with the central government.
The authority to grant citizenship lies entirely with the central government. Amendments to the Citizenship Act of 1955 have been made to grant Indian citizenship to migrants from neighbouring countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian communities.
Such migrants, who have sought refuge in India before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution in their countries, are eligible for Indian citizenship under this law.
The government has made the entire process online. For this purpose, an online portal has also been prepared. Applicants can also apply through their mobile phones.
Applicants will need to indicate the year when they entered India without documents. No documents will be asked from the applicants. The Ministry of Home Affairs will conduct the verification and issue citizenship. Let us tell you that, all pending cases related to citizenship will be converted online.
