The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has expressed its support for the recently announced Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, appreciating the efforts led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Gurcharan Singh Grewal, the SGPC spokesperson, this development is particularly beneficial for Sikhs from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who have undergone forced religious conversion. The announcement comes amidst the Congress party’s critique that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to leverage the notification for electoral gains, particularly highlighting the omission of countries like Sri Lanka and questioning the timing ahead of elections in West Bengal and Assam. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, voiced concerns over the perceived intent to polarize the electoral atmosphere, contrasting the BJP’s approach to devotion towards Lord Ram with that of Congress members.
The government’s move to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act through these rules facilitates a streamlined, online application process for eligible individuals, preceding the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct anticipated with the upcoming general election schedule. This legislative action modifies the 2019 Act, which aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities from three neighboring countries, predating December 31, 2014, thus addressing longstanding issues faced by these refugees in securing a dignified life in India.
The detailed notification outlines the application and verification process, emphasizing the renunciation of the applicant’s original citizenship upon approval and underscoring the comprehensive approach to confirming applicants’ language proficiency and character. Furthermore, the procedural aspects involve a District Level Committee’s role in document verification and an Empowered Committee’s final decision on citizenship grants. Notably, this provision applies to nine states excluding politically sensitive regions like Assam and West Bengal, reflecting a cautious approach in these areas.