Centre Issues Citizenship Certificates Under CAA Amidst Election Campaigns
In a significant move, the Centre has issued citizenship certificates to over 300 individuals under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), amidst the ongoing general elections where the controversial law has taken center stage in several states’ campaign discourse.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla presided over a ceremony held in Delhi, where 14 recipients were presented with their certificates, processed through a designated online portal. Additionally, more than 300 certificates were distributed via email to eligible applicants on the same day, marking a noteworthy step forward in the CAA’s implementation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) underscored the significance of the event, with Bhalla extending congratulations to the recipients and elaborating on the key provisions outlined in the citizenship amendment rules, 2024. The verification and citizenship grant process will continue in the forthcoming weeks, overseen by an empowered committee appointed by the MHA to adjudicate citizenship requests.
Among the recipients, Seetal Das, a 38-year-old refugee from Sindh, Pakistan, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating that he now feels a genuine sense of belonging in India after years of seeking refuge. His sentiments echo the relief and fulfillment experienced by numerous others who have endured religious persecution and sought sanctuary in India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the occasion as historic, affirming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again fulfilled a commitment through the enactment of the CAA, aligning with the BJP’s campaign mantra ‘Modi Ki Guarantee.’ Shah emphasized that the CAA addresses the longstanding plight of individuals facing religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, underscoring India’s commitment to providing refuge and justice to those in need.
Shah reiterated the government’s pledge to grant citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian refugees, reaffirming Modi’s commitment to the promise made during India’s independence.
