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Implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Rules Unveils Detailed Procedures for Indian Citizenship

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Less than a month before the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally notified the rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, unveiling comprehensive procedures for acquiring Indian citizenship under this legislation. The CAA, which has been a topic of intense debate and scrutiny, aims to facilitate citizenship for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh belonging to six religious communities - Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian.

One of the significant revelations from the implementation of the CAA rules is the issuance of “eligibility certificates,” which serve as crucial documents validating the religion of applicants seeking Indian citizenship under the act. As per a report by The Hindu, local priests may be empowered to issue these certificates, which are deemed mandatory and must be submitted along with an affidavit and other requisite documents on the CAA portal. Applicants are also required to articulate their reasons for seeking Indian citizenship.

The rationale behind the CAA is to expedite the citizenship process for individuals who faced religious persecution and oppression in their home countries, providing them with a pathway to resettlement and security in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the CAA helpline number 1032 on March 21, enabling applicants to seek assistance and information about the CAA through toll-free calls between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

According to insights from the helpline, the format of the eligibility certificate can range from a blank sheet of paper to a judicial paper with a stamp value of ₹10, and it can be procured from any local priest upon request. However, the authority or entity responsible for issuing these certificates was not explicitly mentioned in the initial rules notification. A source cited by The Hindu indicated that any trusted institution recognized by the people can issue the certificate, with the final decision on citizenship resting with an empowered committee.

In addition to the eligibility certificate, the CAA rules outline supplementary documents to be submitted by applicants, including affidavits affirming the accuracy of information provided and endorsement of character by an Indian citizen. Furthermore, applicants are required to declare their proficiency in one of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.

These detailed procedures and requirements underscore the meticulous verification process and adherence to eligibility criteria mandated by the CAA regulations. The implementation of these rules is poised to significantly impact the landscape of citizenship acquisition for eligible individuals, contributing to the ongoing discourse and developments surrounding the CAA.

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