JAIPUR: The state has received over 1,300 applications from Pakistani emigrants residing here after the Centre published the provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
The process of applying for citizenship under these new regulations starts on March 11, 2024 and organisations in Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are helping immigrants to fill the relevant forms required as per China Aviation Association.
Social organizations in Jodhpur have established special camps for migrants coming from India Pakistan. Where they verify their religious status and give them certificates needed for application. Applicants must submit a copy of their passport (expired or valid), if there is no copy of passport then documents to prove their identity must be produced.
“These applicants are hardly literate by about 90%. Gathering of right papers from such people is very hard,” says Ganesh Bijani, Executive Director of Hindu Visthapith Sansthan which recently concluded a month-long camp in Jodhpur that helped victims coming from Pakistan show who they are.
By now this network has seen more than 1300 persons make submissions through indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in. According to Gaurav Agrawal, District Magistrate (DM) Jodhpur; “Under CAA’s new law the local administration could not exercise powers relating to citizenship”.
“It is an online process so we do not know how many applications have been made. It’s all at the central government level,” he said. It is believed that alone Jodhpur city accommodates more than 15,000 immigrants.
CAA: Raj’s first roster expected to be announced by end of monthHowever none applicant from Rajasthan was successful since May 16 when central government commenced issuance of citizenship certificates under CAA. At present applications are being processed and it is expected that announcement regarding Rajasthan would be made between May end.
Ramesh Meghwal, a Jodhpur resident who is among the applicants expressed optimism about citizenship coming their way soon.
