In New Delhi, the first batch of 'citizenship certificates' under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was issued to 14 individuals on Wednesday. These individuals, who are persecuted non-Muslim migrants from nearby countries, were granted Indian citizenship in accordance with the controversial CAA. During this event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the day as historic, noting that the long-awaited moment for individuals who faced religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan has finally arrived.
Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla presented the citizenship certificates to the 14 recipients after they completed the online application process. The CAA, which came into effect in December 2019, aims to provide Indian citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian migrants who arrived in India from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014, due to persecution.
While the President approved the legislation, the rules for granting Indian citizenship were issued four years later on March 11. Amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha election phases that commenced on April 19, the government has conferred Indian citizenship upon 14 individuals.
Expressing his gratitude, Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted that the commencement of offering Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians who migrated from neighboring countries due to religious persecution fulfills Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise made on Independence Day. Shah thanked Modi for delivering justice and rights to those who have endured suffering for years.