Natioanl Desk, 16th May: In a notable development, the Centre has granted citizenship certificates to over 300 individuals under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), amidst the ongoing general elections where the contentious law has become a pivotal campaign issue in several states.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla presided over a ceremony in Delhi, presenting certificates to 14 recipients whose applications were processed through a designated online portal. Additionally, more than 300 certificates were disseminated via email to eligible individuals on the same day, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the CAA.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlighted the importance of the occasion, with Bhalla congratulating the applicants and explaining the key provisions of the citizenship amendment rules, 2024. The verification and citizenship grant process will continue in the coming weeks, overseen by an empowered committee established by the MHA to adjudicate citizenship requests.
Among the recipients, Seetal Das, a 38-year-old refugee from Sindh, Pakistan, expressed his profound gratitude, stating that he now feels a true sense of belonging in India after years of residing here. His sentiments reflect the relief and fulfillment experienced by many others who have endured religious persecution and sought refuge in India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the occasion as historic, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled another commitment through the implementation of the CAA, aligning with the BJP’s campaign slogan ‘Modi Ki Guarantee.’ Shah emphasized that the CAA addresses the long-standing plight of individuals facing religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, underscoring India’s commitment to providing refuge and justice to those in need.
Shah reiterated the government’s pledge to grant citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian refugees, affirming Modi’s fulfillment of the promise made during India’s independence.