The first set of citizenship certificates under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) was issued on Wednesday to 14 individuals, initiating the process of granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla presented the certificates to these 14 individuals after their applications were processed online through a designated portal, as stated by an official spokesperson.

Enacted in December 2019, the CAA aims to grant Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The law covers six religious communities: Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians.

Although the CAA received the president's assent shortly after its enactment, the rules necessary for implementing the Act were only issued on March 11 this year, following a delay of over four years.

The CAA has been a subject of significant debate and controversy since its inception. Proponents argue that it provides much-needed relief to minorities fleeing religious persecution in neighboring countries. However, critics contend that the law discriminates based on religion and violates the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.

The issuance of these first citizenship certificates marks a significant step in the implementation of the CAA. It also highlights the government's commitment to providing a legal framework for persecuted minorities seeking refuge in India. The process involved detailed scrutiny and verification of the applicants' backgrounds to ensure compliance with the criteria set forth by the Act.

This development is expected to pave the way for more such certificates to be issued in the future, as numerous applications are still pending review. The government's move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the affected communities and the broader discourse on citizenship and human rights in India.

The first set of citizenship certificates under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) was issued on Wednesday to 14 individuals, initiating the process of granting Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla presented the certificates to these 14 individuals after their applications were processed online through a designated portal, as stated by an official spokesperson.

Enacted in December 2019, the CAA aims to grant Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The law covers six religious communities: Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians.

Although the CAA received the president's assent shortly after its enactment, the rules necessary for implementing the Act were only issued on March 11 this year, following a delay of over four years.

The CAA has been a subject of significant debate and controversy since its inception. Proponents argue that it provides much-needed relief to minorities fleeing religious persecution in neighboring countries. However, critics contend that the law discriminates based on religion and violates the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.

The issuance of these first citizenship certificates marks a significant step in the implementation of the CAA. It also highlights the government's commitment to providing a legal framework for persecuted minorities seeking refuge in India. The process involved detailed scrutiny and verification of the applicants' backgrounds to ensure compliance with the criteria set forth by the Act.

This development is expected to pave the way for more such certificates to be issued in the future, as numerous applications are still pending review. The government's move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the affected communities and the broader discourse on citizenship and human rights in India.