Introduction: The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the first set of citizenship certificates under the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. This significant development marks the implementation of the amended rules aimed at granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. This article provides insights into the issuance process and the implications of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules 2024.
Detailed Analysis: The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, notified by the Government of India on March 11, 2024, outline the procedure for granting citizenship to individuals belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. These individuals, who entered India up to December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution or fear thereof, are eligible to apply for citizenship under these rules.
The application process involves submission to District Level Committees (DLCs), chaired by designated officers, for verification of documents and administration of the oath of allegiance upon successful verification. Subsequently, applications are forwarded to State Level Empowered Committees (ECs), headed by Director (Census Operation), for scrutiny and decision on granting citizenship.
Notably, the entire processing of applications is conducted through an online portal, ensuring efficiency and transparency in the citizenship-granting process. After due scrutiny, the Empowered Committee in Delhi has granted citizenship to 14 applicants, signifying the successful implementation of the amended rules.
During the certificate distribution ceremony, Union Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to deserving applicants in New Delhi. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, emphasizing the government’s commitment to facilitating the citizenship process for persecuted minorities.
Conclusion: The issuance of the first citizenship certificates under the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules 2024 marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to provide refuge and assistance to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. By streamlining the application process and leveraging digital platforms, the Ministry of Home Affairs aims to ensure efficiency, transparency, and fairness in granting citizenship. As the implementation of the amended rules progresses, it is expected to offer relief and opportunities for individuals seeking refuge and citizenship in India.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
First set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 issued
Union Home Secretary handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants in New Delhi today
Posted On: 15 MAY 2024 5:19PM by PIB Delhi
The first set of citizenship certificates after notification of Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were issued today. Union Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla handed over citizenship certificates to some applicants in New Delhi today. Home Secretary congratulated the applicants and highlighted salient features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Secretary Posts, Director (IB), Registrar General of India and senior officers were also present during the interactive session.
The Government of India had notified Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 on 11th March 2024. The Rules envisage manner of application form, procedure for processing applications by District Level Committee (DLC) and scrutiny and grant of citizenship by State Level Empowered Committee (EC). In pursuance of these rules, applications have been received from persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who have entered into India up to 31.12.2014 on account of persecution on grounds of religion or fear of such persecution.
The District Level Committees (DLCs) chaired by Senior Superintendents of Post/Superintendents of Post as designated officers, on successful verification of documents, have administered oath of allegiance to the applicants. After processing as per rules, DLCs have forwarded the applications to State Level Empowered Committee headed by Director (Census operation). Processing of application is completely done through the online portal.
The Empowered Committee, Delhi headed by Director (Census Operation), Delhi, after due scrutiny, have decided to grant citizenship to 14 applicants. Accordingly, Director (Census operation) granted certificates to these applicants.
