Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) Implementation : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is gearing up to announce the regulations for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by March 2024, according to reliable sources. Amidst ongoing discussions, an online portal has reportedly been established, indicating a significant step toward the digitalization of the process.
Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) Implementation : Regulations Expected Soon as MHA Sets the Stage
Timeline and Government Stance:
As of December 27, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized that the implementation of the CAA is inevitable, asserting its status as the law of the land. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing the CAA, as mentioned during a recent party meeting in Kolkata.
Implementation Procedure:
An official source cited by ANI disclosed that the regulations for the CAA could be unveiled before the enforcement of the model code of conduct, which might come into effect in March. The prepared regulations will initiate a digital process facilitated through the already-established online portal.
Applicants are expected to disclose their entry year into India without any travel documents. Notably, the process will not necessitate additional documentation from applicants.
Parliamentary Procedures and Extensions:
Reports highlight a deviation from the manual of parliamentary procedures, which stipulates that guidelines for legislation should be formulated within six months of receiving presidential assent. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been seeking extensions from parliamentary committees since 2020 to continue framing rules associated with the CAA.
District Authorization and Exceptions:
Over the past two years, more than 30 district magistrates and home secretaries across nine states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra, have been authorized to confer Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan under the Citizenship Act of 1955.
However, the politically sensitive regions of Assam and West Bengal have not yet been granted these citizenship-granting authorities, adding an intriguing dimension to the ongoing discussions.
Conclusion:
As anticipation builds around the impending announcement of CAA regulations, the government’s commitment to the implementation of the act remains unwavering. The use of digital platforms for processing applications and the continuous seeking of extensions for procedural framing underscore the complexities and the significance of the Citizenship Amendment Act. The coming months are likely to witness key developments in this regard, shaping the landscape of citizenship in India.