The Modi government has officially notified the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on March 11, 2024. Passed by the Parliament in 2019 amidst significant protests, the CAA expedites the citizenship process for non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before 2014. The Act covers Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians.
Applications for citizenship under the CAA will now be submitted online through a newly launched portal, with applicants required to declare the year of their entry into India without travel documents. The move towards online applications aims to streamline the process and enhance efficiency.
Despite the notification of the CAA rules, the Act continues to face criticism and opposition from various quarters, including Opposition parties. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed cautious skepticism, stating that she would review the rules before taking further action. She emphasized the need to ensure that people are not deprived of their rights under the rules and hinted at potential legal challenges if necessary.
The notification of the CAA rules marks a significant development in India’s citizenship landscape, with implications for millions of migrants seeking citizenship through this legislation.
