Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the rules for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be issued before the next Lok Sabha elections, with the process of granting Indian nationality to eligible beneficiaries set to commence shortly thereafter. The CAA aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India until December 31, 2014.
Addressing the ET NOW Global Business Summit 2024, Shah emphasized that the CAA is a law of the country and its notification will be issued before the polls, assuring clarity on its implementation timeline. He noted that the promise to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities was also made by the Congress leadership during Partition, yet it remained unfulfilled.
Shah clarified that the CAA is not intended to revoke anyone’s citizenship, addressing concerns among Muslim communities regarding the law. He reiterated that the legislation aims to provide citizenship to individuals who have faced religious persecution in neighboring countries.
Despite nationwide protests following its passage in December 2019, the CAA’s implementation has been delayed for over four years. However, the rules are now ready, with an online portal established to facilitate the application process, which will be entirely digitalized and devoid of document submissions.
The BJP considers the implementation of the CAA a significant electoral promise, particularly in West Bengal, where it garnered substantial support in recent elections. While over 100 lives were lost during protests against the CAA, the government has proceeded with preparations for its enactment.
Authorities in nine states have been empowered to grant Indian citizenship to eligible individuals under the Citizenship Act, 1955, with a notable exclusion of districts in Assam and West Bengal, where the issue remains politically sensitive. Despite challenges and controversies, the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises regarding citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries.
