In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued the first batch of citizenship certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to 14 individuals, marking a milestone in the law’s implementation. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla personally handed over the certificates to the applicants, signifying the commencement of the process outlined in the newly notified rules.
After more than four years since its passage by Parliament in December 2019, the CAA came into effect following the notification of rules by the Centre on March 11. A spokesperson from the MHA confirmed that the Empowered Committee in Delhi, led by the Director of Census Operation, meticulously reviewed applications and decided to grant citizenship to the deserving 14 individuals. Director of Census Operation subsequently presented the citizenship certificates to the recipients.
This event marks the issuance of the first citizenship certificates under the newly notified Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Home Secretary Bhalla personally congratulated the applicants during the ceremony in New Delhi, highlighting the key aspects of the latest rules.
The CAA, aimed at expediting the citizenship process for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, had faced widespread protests across the country upon its passage. Despite its enactment four years ago, the delay in notifying the rules had stalled its implementation until now.
