ANI
In a significant development, a group affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been conducting camps in Rajasthan, issuing "eligibility certificates" to Hindu community members from Pakistan. These certificates are intended to facilitate their application for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), marking a proactive move towards aiding persecuted minorities.
According to a report by The Hindu, the Seemajan Kalyan Samiti, operating primarily in areas bordering Pakistan, has been instrumental in assisting approximately 330 individuals from Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Through their efforts, these individuals have uploaded their documents on the designated citizenship portal established by the Home Ministry, a crucial step in the application process.
The CAA offers citizenship to members of six persecuted non-Muslim communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. A key requirement is the submission of an eligibility certificate, to be issued by a locally reputable community institution. In this case, the Seemajan Kalyan Samiti, being a registered organisation, has been authorised to issue these certificates, signed by designated office-bearers.
The initiative has garnered widespread attention, with images surfacing on social media platforms showcasing the organisation's efforts. These camps provide a platform for individuals to apply for citizenship, highlighting the commitment to assisting those in need within the community.
Despite these efforts, there remains a significant backlog of individuals awaiting citizenship status, with estimates suggesting thousands in Rajasthan alone. Many Pakistani Hindu refugees have been residing in India for years, yet continue to await formal citizenship recognition, underscoring the urgency of streamlined processes and proactive measures.
It is crucial to note that while the CAA primarily targets undocumented migrants, it also benefits legal migrants by reducing the eligibility criteria for citizenship. This provision is particularly relevant for Pakistani Hindus who entered India legally on various visas, enabling them to seek citizenship under the amended law.
Amid these developments, there has been criticism from certain quarters, questioning the requirements and procedures outlined by the CAA. Concerns have been raised regarding the documentation process and the role of religious institutions in certifying eligibility, prompting broader debates surrounding the legislation's implementation.
As India witnesses proactive measures to aid Pakistani Hindu refugees in their quest for citizenship, the initiative underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in the CAA's implementation. While offering hope to persecuted minorities, it also prompts reflections on the broader implications and debates surrounding citizenship laws in India.
Copyright © 2025 Top Indian News
