New Delhi: The controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act, also known as CAA, was put into effect by the Government on Monday , marking its implementation four years after its passage. Enacted in 2019, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act aims to extend Indian citizenship to refugees who fled religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014.
The Government has outlined the potential benefits that the implementation of CAA could bring. According to government sources, the Act would address legal hurdles to the rehabilitation and citizenship of refugees, offering them a chance at a dignified life after enduring years of suffering. Emphasizing the preservation of refugees’ cultural, linguistic, and social identities, the government also highlights the assurance of economic opportunities, freedom of movement, and property ownership rights.
Despite facing criticism from opposition parties, the Government affirms that CAA is not intended to revoke the citizenship of any Indian, regardless of their religion. Officials emphasize that the Act is specifically aimed at aiding those who have faced persecution and have sought refuge in India.
Critics, including the Congress and other opposition parties, have condemned the timing of the law’s implementation, alleging political motives, particularly in light of upcoming elections in West Bengal and Assam.
The Government underscores its authority, granted by the Indian Constitution, to extend citizenship to refugees on humanitarian grounds, especially those who have suffered religious persecution.
Additionally, the Government clarified that the delay in implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act was due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its 2019 manifesto, the ruling BJP expressed its commitment to passing the Citizenship Amendment Bill as part of efforts to safeguard persecuted religious minorities from neighboring countries.
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