| Syllabus: GS II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Legal Issues, Issue: Bills/Acts/Rules |
Context: The Home ministry notified rules to implement Citizenship Amendment Act-2019
Significance of Citizenship Amendment Act-2019:
- Addresses challenges posed by refugee influx from neighboring countries.
- Fast-tracks citizenship for persecuted minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
- Does not affect Indian Muslims and maintains the non-discriminatory nature of the Citizenship Act.
- Only refugees who arrived in India before 2014 are eligible for the fast-tracked citizenship process.
Conclusion:
- Covid pandemic delayed the implementation of the act.
- Refugee persecution proof was not mandated in the final gazette notification.
- Applicants need to submit online applications with valid documents and endorsement from an Indian citizen.
- NGOs and citizens’ involvement are crucial for refugees navigating the citizenship application process.
