PTC Web Desk: The contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has taken a significant step forward with the Centre issuing a notification outlining the process for non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to seek Indian citizenship. The move has stirred both debate and interest as it provides eligibility criteria and a step-by-step application process.
Eligibility Criteria: Under the CAA, individuals from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, are eligible to seek Indian citizenship. This move is seen as an attempt to address concerns related to the persecution of minorities in these countries.
Application Process: Applications for Indian citizenship can be submitted online through the official website https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in. Additionally, a mobile application named CAA-2019 is reportedly in development. The application process involves submission to an Empowered Committee through the District Level Committee led by a designated officer.
Categories for Application: The online application provides multiple categories under which an applicant can seek Indian citizenship. These categories encompass persons of Indian origin, individuals married to Indian citizens, minor children of Indian citizens, individuals whose parents are Indian citizens, those with a parent who was a citizen of Independent India, persons registered as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholders, and those seeking citizenship by naturalisation.
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Required Documents: To support their application, individuals can submit various documents, including a copy of the passport issued by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan, birth certificates, educational certificates, identity documents issued by the respective governments, residential permits, licenses, land or tenancy records, and any document establishing the lineage to citizens of these countries.
Proving Entry into India: Applicants are required to provide evidence of their entry into India before December 31, 2014. The supporting documents include copies of visas and immigration stamps, registration certificates, census enumerators' slips, government-issued licenses or certificates in India, ration cards, letters from government or court with official stamps, birth certificates issued in India, and various other documents demonstrating residence and employment in India.
Application Review Process: Following the submission of the application, a district-level committee will examine the form. If all documents are in order, the designated officer will administer an "oath of allegiance" to the applicant. The district committee will then upload the verified documents and the oath to an Empowered Committee for further review. The empowered panel will subsequently approve or reject the application.
Issuance of Citizenship Certificate: Upon approval, the applicant will be issued a digital citizenship certificate. Those opting for a physical certificate will need to collect the ink-signed copy from the office of the Empowered Committee, typically the office of the Director (Census Operations) of the concerned State or Union Territory.
Consideration as Indian Nationals: For successful applicants, the grant of citizenship will be retroactive, considering them Indian nationals from the date of their entry into India.
Cost of Application: A nominal fee of Rs 50 is required to be paid online during the application process. The government has not specified any additional charges associated with the citizenship application.