On the 15th of May, a significant milestone was reached in the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as the first batch of citizenship certificates was issued. A total of 14 individuals from persecuted non-Muslim migrant communities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh were granted Indian citizenship.

The certificates were handed over by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla during a ceremony where the applicants' processed applications were acknowledged. This process was facilitated through a dedicated online portal. An official spokesperson detailed the event, noting its importance in the context of the CAA.

According to a statement released by the Home Ministry, "The first set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were issued today. Union Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants in New Delhi today. The Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted salient features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Secretary Posts, Director (IB), Registrar General of India and senior officers were also present during the interactive session."

Further elaborating on the day's events, the Ministry of Home Affairs shared in a press release, “Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted salient features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Secretary Posts, Director (IB), Registrar General of India and senior officers were also present during the interactive session.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has outlined the specific procedures and committees involved in the application and approval process under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). "The Rules envisage manner of application form, procedure for processing applications by District Level Committee (DLC) and scrutiny and grant of citizenship by State Level Empowered Committee (EC). In pursuance of these rules, applications have been received from persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who have entered into India up to 31.12.2014 on account of persecution on grounds of religion or fear of such persecution," MHA stated.

After the applicants submit their documentation, the process involves a thorough verification. The Ministry explained, "Upon successful verification of documents, the designated officers administered oath of allegiance to the applicants." It further detailed the procedural steps, noting, "After processing as per rules, DLCs have forwarded the applications to the State Level Empowered Committee headed by Director (Census operation)."

A significant policy enactment also came into effect recently as per the Ministry's statements. "Notably, the Modi government notified CAA on 11th of March 2024 enabling the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for a grant of Indian citizenship." Under the CAA, specific minority groups from neighboring countries, recognized as facing persecution, are eligible for Indian citizenship. These groups include Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs, specifically those who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), enacted in December 2019, was designed to provide Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. These migrants include individuals from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities. "Following the enactment, the CAA received the president’s approval but the rules under which the Indian citizenship was granted were issued in March this year following over four years delay," the Ministry of Home Affairs noted.

The actual implementation of these rules took a significant step forward earlier this year. On March 11, the government formally announced the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. "The Modi government notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, paving the way for citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan," the statement continued.

The timing of these notifications was strategic. "The rules were notified days ahead of the expected announcement of the Lok Sabha elections," the Ministry disclosed. With these rules in place, the government is now positioned to begin the process of granting Indian nationality to the identified groups of persecuted non-Muslim migrants from the three specified countries.

Importantly, the legislation is targeted specifically to assist certain minority groups and does not affect the status of current Indian citizens. "Notably, the CAA will not affect Indian citizens. It was introduced solely for the benefit of six minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh," the Ministry emphasized, clarifying the intended scope and impact of the Act.

What is CAA?

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is fundamentally aimed at providing protection to individuals who have fled to India to escape religious persecution. It specifically offers these individuals a defense against illegal migration proceedings. To qualify for citizenship under the CAA, applicants must have arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Under the current laws, Indian citizenship can be granted to those born in India or those who have resided in the country for a minimum of 11 years. "The proposed amendment also includes a provision for the cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration if the OCI cardholder violates any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other applicable law," outlines the legislation.

Who does CAA leave out?

Since its enactment in 2019, the CAA has been at the center of controversy, particularly among leading opposition parties who argue that the law discriminates against Muslims, who constitute about 15% of India's population. The government, however, contends that Muslims are not considered persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, as these countries are Islamic republics with Muslim majorities. Despite these assertions, the government assures that "applications from other communities will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis." This policy aims to address individual circumstances and provide refuge to those genuinely in need.