fOUR YEARS AFTER THE CITIZENSHIP (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2019, OR CAA, WAS PASSED, the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA), on March 11, notified the rules to implement the law. The rules prescribe how those eligible can apply for Indian citizenship under the CAA. Coming just days ahead of the announcement for the general election, the BJP-led Centre's move has once again triggered a political slugfest and a range of reactions across the country. While the Sindhi refugees from Pakistan in Madhya Pradesh and Matuas from Bangladesh in West Bengal celebrated joyously, protests erupted in several parts of Assam.
Be that as it may, in its essence, the CAA makes it easier for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian and Parsi immigrants/ asylum-seekers from three Muslim-majority neighbouring countries-Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan-to get Indian citizenship. All they have to do is prove they entered India legally or illegally before December 31, 2014, and have stayed here for at least five years. The ruling BJP has sought to project the CAA as a fulfilment of its constitutional commitment to the "persecuted minorities" from these countries. "Since Independence, it was a promise of our Constitution that citizenship will be granted to those persecuted religious minorities in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.... These immigrants felt insulted in their own country when they were not granted citizenship," says an indignant Amit Shah, the Union home minister.
The Opposition, while questioning the timing, says the BJP has raked up the issue to polarise the vote in the general election. The government plays innocent, blaming the delay in notifying the legislation on the Covid pandemic.
This story is from the March 25, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 25, 2024 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Beware The New Big Con
Cyber Criminal Networks, Often Based Abroad, Are Now Leveraging Technological And Psychological Tools To Weave Elaborate Stings With Fake Cops And Enforcement Authorities To Deprive Unsuspecting Victims Of Their Entire Life Savings
A Cut Above the Rest
Oft ignored, the ceiling in a room is so much more than a necessity
THE GRAND STAND
This atypical bachelor pad for Delhivery's Sandeep Barasia is all about balancing art with form, aesthetics with functionality and materiality with context
50 SHADES OF WHITE
From ivory to ecru, TV actor Ankita Lokhande and reality TV star Vicky Jain's apartment in Mumbai is all about a fresh and clean feel
"GOOD DESIGN IS EFFICIENT, BEAUTIFUL AND PROBLEM SOLVING"
Known for creating thoughtfully crafted spaces, architect Jaskaran Singh takes us through the legacy he was born into
HITCHED AT HOME
From offbeat décor to eco-friendly design elements, an intimate wedding runs high on undeniable charm and unique sentiments
ROOM TO BLOOM
Bring wedding festivities indoors with flowers and hues that set the mood for this beautiful tablescape
THE RITE CHOICE
Move over heaven, well-designed and stylish marriages require the Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla touch. They share how to ace this space.
Twist on Tradition
Stylish storytelling, vibrant vistas, trendy textiles and modern magic, wedding decor is a beautifully crafted and personal tale today
TROUSSEAU TROVE
From preserved flowers to bountiful hampers, what you give the bride and groom will set the tone for their life ahead