Efforts to Speed Up Citizenship Applications Underway
The Indian central government has formed a new committee in West Bengal to help process applications for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This follows recent steps where citizenship certificates began being granted in West Bengal and two other states. The formation of this committee is intended to make the process of granting citizenship requests quicker. West Bengal has a significant population of Hindu immigrants, particularly from the Matua community, who are seen as a key group for political parties.
Background
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), enacted in 2019, offers a path to Indian citizenship for immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. These individuals must belong to six minority faiths: Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi. A crucial requirement is that they entered India on or before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution in their home countries.
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In West Bengal, the Matua community, a large Scheduled Caste group, has a notable presence, especially in border districts. Initially, some members of this community were hesitant to apply under the CAA, partly due to a lack of documents. However, following specific announcements related to electoral roll revisions, there has been an observed rise in applications from this group.
The central government began issuing citizenship certificates under the CAA in West Bengal, Haryana, and Uttarakhand on May 29, 2024. This action occurred despite West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's previous statements that her government would not permit the implementation of the CAA in the state. The central government maintains that granting citizenship falls under its exclusive authority.
Formation of the Empowered Committee
On February 21, 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) established a second empowered committee in West Bengal. This committee includes officials from the Census, Postal, and Intelligence Bureau (IB). Its primary goal is to expedite the processing of hundreds of pending citizenship applications under the CAA.
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The new committee aims to accelerate the processing of citizenship applications under the CAA, particularly for members of the Matua community in West Bengal.
Committee Structure and Function
Similar to a previously formed committee, this new panel will include specific invitees. These include:
A representative from the office of the Principal Secretary (Home) or Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of the West Bengal state government.
A representative of the jurisdictional Divisional Railway Manager of Indian Railways.
The inclusion of state government representatives as invitees suggests a need for cooperation on logistical matters, such as office space and police verification, although the ultimate authority for granting citizenship rests with the Union government.
The CAA and Its Critics
The CAA has faced criticism, with some arguing that it discriminates based on religion and conflicts with the secular principles of the Indian Constitution. Supporters, however, contend that it offers essential protection to persecuted minority groups from neighboring nations.
Political Context
The central government's push for CAA implementation in West Bengal comes as the state has a significant number of Hindu immigrants, including the Matua community. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has actively sought to engage with this community to bolster its electoral prospects in the state. The recent granting of citizenship certificates and the formation of the empowered committee have occurred shortly before key electoral events in West Bengal.
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Expert Insights
A statement from the BJP indicated that the party would ensure all eligible individuals receive citizenship, asserting that the right to confer citizenship is exclusively within the central government's domain, and states have no jurisdiction in this matter.
Summary of Findings
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has recently established a second empowered committee in West Bengal. This move is intended to expedite the processing of citizenship applications filed under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. The committee's formation coincides with the ongoing process of granting citizenship certificates to eligible applicants in West Bengal, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, a process that began on May 29, 2024. The specific focus on West Bengal and the inclusion of community representatives highlights the significance of groups like the Matuas in the region. The central government maintains its exclusive authority over citizenship matters, despite differing views from state leadership.
Sources
The Times of India: MHA forms 2nd empowered committee for Bengal to fast-track requests under CAA
The Indian Express: Govt starts granting citizenship under CAA in Bengal, 2 other states
New Indian Express: Centre begins granting citizenship certificates under CAA in West Bengal
India TV News: CAA citizenship certificates given to beneficiaries in West Bengal, says Centre
Top Indian News: Centre grants citizenship certificates in Bengal, Haryana, Uttarakhand under CAA | Top Indian News
Siasat: Centre starts granting citizenship under CAA in West Bengal, Haryana, Uttarakhand
