In a significant development, the Union Government of India has granted citizenship to over 300 individuals under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time that citizenship has been conferred under this act.
The Ceremony
The citizenship certificates were handed over by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Delhi. The event was also graced by the presence of Director, Intelligence Bureau, Tapan Kumar Deka and Registrar-General of India, Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan.
The Beneficiaries
While the country of origin of the applicants was not disclosed by the government, sources reveal that most applicants were Pakistani Hindus. The 14 individuals who received the certificates in Delhi had arrived from Pakistan in 2013.
The Process
As applications are being scrutinized and finalized, certificates are being sent by post to beneficiaries in other parts of the country. Most Pakistani Hindus who entered India legally are residing in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi.
Challenges
The citizenship portal requires applicants to declare their country of origin and submit at least one document tracing their roots to Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Afghanistan. However, intended beneficiaries in West Bengal who entered India without any documents find it challenging to apply under CAA.
Personal Stories
Jhoola Ram, a resident of Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi, expressed his joy at finally being able to apply for citizenship. Another applicant, Seetal Das, shared his relief at receiving citizenship, as it meant hope and a better future for his children.
Conclusion
The distribution of citizenship certificates under CAA is a significant step towards fulfilling the promise of granting Indian citizenship to religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. This move has been lauded as “historic” by Home Minister Amit Shah.
View More Sources:
This development marks a new chapter in the lives of these individuals, who can now look forward to a future filled with hope and opportunities as Indian citizens. It also underscores the government’s commitment to providing refuge to those who have faced religious persecution in their home countries.
- Neeraj Chopra: A Golden Throw at Federation Cup 2024
- Sunil Chhetri: A Legend Bows Out from International Football
- A New Dawn: Over 300 Individuals Embrace Indian Citizenship Under CAA
- Pixel Play: HDFC Bank’s Leap into the Future with India’s First Virtual Credit Card
- ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’: A Triumph at the UK-Asian Film Festival
- CJI Chandrachud’s Address at J20 Summit: A Beacon of Transparency and Service
