Why in news
Union Home Ministry has amended a provision of the rules of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019
It was required applicants seeking citizenship to submit a document by any government authority in Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan establishing their roots in these countries
The amendment
Applicants now have the option to use any document issued by the State or Union government or any quasi-judicial authority in India to establish their roots in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
This broadens the scope beyond the previous requirement of documents issued by authorities in these countries
The amendment introduces an “etc.” clause, allowing government officials processing CAA applications some discretion if there are shortcomings in the submitted documents
Local priests or reputed community institutions can now issue certificates certifying the applicant’s faith, instead of solely relying on government-issued documents.
COMMENTS