The central government has constituted a second empowered committee in West Bengal to accelerate the processing of citizenship applications under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The move aims to streamline administrative procedures and ensure faster verification and approval of eligible applicants seeking Indian citizenship under the provisions of the Act.
According to official sources, the newly formed committee will work alongside the existing panel to handle the growing volume of applications from districts across the state. The committee will be responsible for reviewing documentation, verifying eligibility criteria, and coordinating with local authorities to reduce procedural delays. Officials stated that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to implementing the CAA in a structured and transparent manner.
The CAA provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for certain persecuted minority communities from neighboring countries who entered India before a specified cut-off date. Authorities have emphasized that the process will remain compliant with legal standards and subject to thorough scrutiny to prevent misuse.
The development has sparked political reactions within West Bengal, with state leaders expressing varied views on the implementation process. However, central officials maintain that the formation of the second empowered committee is purely administrative, intended to enhance efficiency and ensure timely resolution of pending cases.
The move signals an intensified push toward operationalizing citizenship applications under the CAA framework in the state news as reported.
