CAA DOESN’T TAKE AWAY CITIZENSHIP: SHAH

Why in the news?

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was supported by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who asserted that no Indian citizen’s citizenship was being taken away.

CAA DOESN’T TAKE AWAY CITIZENSHIP: SHAH

Key Details

  • The 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): For oppressed minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) who came to India prior to December 31, 2014, the CAA offers a route to citizenship in India. The Act has generated controversy since some believe it to be discriminatory towards some religions.
  • Legal challenges: Several petitions contending that the CAA violates the Indian Constitution’s secular nature are presently pending before the Supreme Court of India. The Act has been defended by the administration, which claims it is a humanitarian effort to aid marginalized communities.
  • Refugee Data: Approximately 30,000 refugees who are presently living in India may benefit from the CAA, according to government estimates. Bangladesh is thought to be the country of origin for the bulk of these refugees, followed by Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  • Historical Context: Throughout the years, including the 1947 Partition and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, India has been a haven for persecuted minorities. Although it has drawn criticism for turning away Muslim refugees, the CAA is perceived as an expansion of this strategy.
CAA Rules, 2024

  • About: The Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024, which would permit the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, have been notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, albeit after more than four years of delay.
  • Important clauses are:
    • The Procedure: Affidavits verifying assertions, character references from Indian nationals, and a statement indicating proficiency in one of the scheduled Indian languages must be submitted with an application by eligible refugees in order to be granted citizenship.
    • E-application to the committee at the district level: The regulations require the electronic submission of applications to a district-level committee in order to verify documents and administer the pledge of loyalty. After the district committee reviews the application, the empowered committee has the authority to reject it if the applicant does not show up in person.
    • Supporting documentation: To bolster their citizenship application, applicants must provide a passport, birth certificate, identity documents, land records, or evidence of lineage from Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Afghanistan.
    • Verification of entry date: Before December 31, 2014, applicants must submit proof of entry in the form of one of the 20 listed papers, such as a FRRO registration, a census slip, a government ID (Aadhaar, ration card, license), a marriage certificate issued in India, etc.
    • Digital certificate: Applicants who are accepted will be given a certificate of digital citizenship.