• UGI USER
  • Mar 28, 2024
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PRIEST CAN GIVE CAA ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATE, SAYS GOVT. HELPLINE

Why in the news?

Government allows local priests to issue eligibility certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), clarifying application procedures.

source:TH

About the Priest Issuing Eligibility Certificate:

  • According to a response from the Union Home Ministry’s helpline on CAA, a local priest can issue an eligibility certificate under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019.
  • This certificate validates the religion of the applicant and is a mandatory document to be submitted along with other required documents on the portal.
  • As per the rules, the eligibility certificate can be issued by a “locally reputed community institution,” which includes a local priest.
  • The certificate is essential for applicants seeking Indian citizenship under the provisions of the CAA.
About The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019 :

●   The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019 amends the definition of illegal immigrant for certain religious groups from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

●   Eligible immigrants include Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians but exclude Muslims.

●   They must have lived in India without documentation and will be granted fast-track Indian citizenship in 5 years, reduced from 11 years.

●   The Act also allows for the cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration for violations of the Citizenship Act or other laws.