CAA: Five Key points to remember for UPSC and State Civil Services candidates

The central government has notified the rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 on Monday, March 11. Hence this becomes an important topic for the upcoming UPSC Civil Services Examination and other state civil services examinations. Here are the top points that candidates must know regarding this Act.

What is Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019?

1. Through this act, the Citizenship Act of 1955 has been amended and Indian Citizenship will be granted to Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis who have migrated from neighbourning Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014 due to 'religious persecution or fear of religious persecution'

2. Under this law, migrants will be granted fast fast track Indian citizenship in Six years. The residence requirement for naturalisation of these migrants have been reduced from eleven years to five.

3. The CAA does not apply to Indian citizens. The act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to particular foreigners. The applies to those who were force or compelled to seek shelter in India due to persecution on the ground of religion.

4. This act will not include certain areas, i.e the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The exceptions also include the states regulated by the 'Inner Line' permit under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations 1873.

5. As per the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, the registration of the Overseas Citizen of India can be cancelled if any person has violated any law notified by the central government.