TheAcademy . 18th Mar, 2024 12:34 PM
The Citizenship Amendment
Act (CAA) has sparked intense debate and controversy since its introduction.
Its primary aim is to provide a pathway to citizenship for specific groups of
migrants who have entered India, even if they lack valid travel documents as
required by the Citizenship Act of 1955. Notably, the CAA reduces the period of
residency required for citizenship by naturalisation from 11 years to 5, a
significant reduction that has drawn both support and criticism.
Central to the CAA is the
presumption that individuals belonging to certain religious communities -
namely Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian - fleeing persecution
in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan have sought refuge in India. The Act
is framed on the belief that these communities have faced religious persecution
in their countries of origin, necessitating a humanitarian response from India.
However, the CAA's
implementation necessitates specific requirements from immigrants seeking
citizenship. Firstly, they must provide evidence of their country of origin,
indicating their displacement from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan.
Secondly, they must belong to one of the aforementioned religious communities,
underscoring the Act's emphasis on providing refuge to persecuted minorities.
Additionally, immigrants must specify the date of their entry into India,
establishing their timeline of residency within the country. Lastly, they are
expected to demonstrate proficiency in an Indian language, emphasising
integration into Indian society as a criterion for citizenship.
Despite its stated
humanitarian goals, the CAA has faced criticism on various fronts. Critics
argue that by selectively granting citizenship based on religious identity, the
Act undermines the secular fabric of India's constitution. Moreover, concerns
have been raised about the exclusion of Muslim communities from the Act's
purview, leading to accusations of discrimination and communal polarisation.
The CAA's proponents, however, maintain that it serves as a necessary measure
to protect persecuted religious minorities and uphold India's historical
commitment to providing sanctuary to those in need.
The CAA has become a focal
point in Indian politics, stirring passionate debates about the country's
identity, secular principles, and commitment to inclusive citizenship. As legal
challenges and public discourse continue to shape the narrative surrounding the
Act, its implications for India's social fabric and international standing
remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny and discussion.
