This Is Your Country: 14 People Get Indian Citizenship Certificates Under CAA

Amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha election 2024, 14 people on Wednesday, May 15, received Indian citizenship certificates under the CAA. The first batch of refugees who had applied for citizenship two months ago, soon after the notification to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act by the Minister of Home Affairs. According to the reports, these applicants were minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, and sought refuge in Rajasthan, India.

The Narendra Modi government cut down on norms including mandatory residence from 11 to 5 years for undocumented non-Muslim migrants who crossed international borders before December 31, 2014.

The certificates of citizenship were handed over by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla to the applicants in Delhi. Along with him Secretary Posts, Director (IB), Registrar General of India, and other senior Central Government officers graced the event.

The CAA advocates welcoming Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who don't feel safe in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan or seek refuge in India. In December 2019, the bill was tabled by Union Minister Amit Shah in the parliament where his party got it approved with a huge mandate. Later, with approval from the President, the bill turned into a law or act.

The government also faced criticism for not including Muslims and creating a divide on the basis of religion. Several protests were also stagged against the CAA.

The Modi government took 4 long years to implement it. However, on March 11, 2024, the Home Ministry finally notified the implementation of CAA, a few days ahead of the Lok Sabha Election 2024.