Union Govt likely to notify CAA rules before announcement of Lok Sabha elections: Reports

The imminent notification of rules for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by the Central government is anticipated to precede the activation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, according to media reports.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously stated this month that the implementation of the CAA would precede this year's Lok Sabha elections. Presently, there's a possibility that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will announce the CAA rules before the MCC takes effect.

The CAA proposes amendments to the Citizenship Act of 1955, intending to grant Indian citizenship to migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian communities, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, fleeing religious persecution in their native countries. This move is aimed at aiding refugees from these neighboring nations who lack proper documentation.

Media reports have also indicated the readiness of an online portal for registrations.

As a precursor to the CAA, district authorities have already been empowered to issue long-term visas, according to these reports.

More than 30 district magistrates and home secretaries from nine states have been authorized to confer Indian citizenship upon Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians arriving from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

The CAA was passed by Parliament on December 11, 2019, sparking widespread protests across India.

The Model Code of Conduct, a set of guidelines enforced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to govern the behavior of political parties and leaders, becomes operational upon the announcement of the election timetable.

Home Minister Shah has reiterated the humanitarian objective of the act, emphasizing its aim to provide citizenship exclusively to those persecuted in neighboring nations.

"A lot of misinformation and agitation is being directed towards our Muslim brethren regarding the CAA. The CAA's sole purpose is to grant citizenship to individuals who sought refuge in India due to persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. It does not intend to strip anyone of their Indian citizenship," said Amit Shah.