Government Announces Implementation of CAA: All Things You Need To Know

Producer:  Mehak Pal

Ahead of the General Elections 2024, the Centre notified the rules for implementation of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019 on March 11, 2024. 

 The government will now begin granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from the countries who arrived in India up until December 31, 2014, following the issuance of the CAA regulations.

These consist of Christians, Parsis, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, and Hindus.

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)? The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) aims to protect individuals who have sought refuge in India due to religious persecution.

 It offers them a shield against illegal migration proceedings. To be eligible for citizenship, applicants must have entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Currently, Indian citizenship is granted to those born in India or who have lived in the country for at least 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.

Who does CAA leave out? The government explains that since Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh are Islamic republics with a Muslim majority, Muslims cannot be considered persecuted minorities. However, they ensure that applications from other communities will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

How can migrants apply for citizenship? The entire process will be conducted online, the Ministry of Home Affairs has prepared a portal for the applicants' convenience.

Why people are opposing it? The controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed in December 2019, has faced opposition and protests across the country. Many opposition parties have criticized the law, calling it "discriminatory"

In Kerala, Chief Minister Vijayan has declared that the CAA will not be implemented in the state, describing it as a law that promotes communal division.

In Kerala, Chief Minister Vijayan has declared that the CAA will not be implemented in the state, describing it as a law that promotes communal division.

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