Citizenship Amendment Act: The implementation of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is expected to commence next month, according to sources. The CAA aims to grant citizenship to religious minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who have settled in India. The online portal for registrations is reportedly ready, with dry runs already conducted by the Union Home Ministry.
Key Points:
- Online Portal and Preparations:
- The online portal for CAA registrations is prepared, and dry runs have been conducted by the Union Home Ministry.
- District authorities have been empowered to grant long-term visas, seen as a precursor to the CAA.
- Beneficiaries:
- The CAA is anticipated to benefit refugees from neighbouring countries who lack documents, particularly those from Pakistan.
- The law aims to provide citizenship to religious minorities facing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
- Long-Term Visas:
- Powers to grant long-term visas have already been delegated to district authorities.
- Over 30 District Magistrates and Home Secretaries in nine states have been given the authority to grant Indian citizenship to specific religious minorities from the mentioned countries.
- Recent Stats:
- From April 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, a total of 1,414 non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan were granted Indian citizenship under the existing Citizenship Act, 1955.
- Controversy and Background:
- The CAA, passed in 2019, sparked widespread protests, with critics arguing that it discriminates against Muslims and violates the secular principles of the Constitution.
- The government contends that the law is intended to assist non-Muslim refugees facing religious persecution in Muslim-majority neighbouring countries.
The impending implementation of the CAA is likely to reignite debates surrounding its implications, with supporters emphasizing humanitarian aspects and critics raising concerns about potential discrimination and its impact on India’s secular fabric.
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