35 refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh & Afghanistan granted citizenship in Odisha under CAA

In a significant development, a total of 35 refugees were formally granted Indian citizenship under the provisions of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA). The recipients included individuals who migrated to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and belong to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities.

The citizenship was granted on Thursday in a special certificate distribution ceremony organised at Krushi Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, by the Directorate of Census Operations, Odisha, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

As per the MHA notification issued on March 11, 2024, persons from these communities who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, are eligible to apply for citizenship under the CAA framework.

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Officials informed that out of 1,127 applicants who submitted their documents seeking citizenship, 35 individuals successfully completed all formalities and received their certificates during the ceremony. With this, they are now entitled to all constitutional rights, benefits, and government facilities available to Indian citizens. Their children and future generations will also be automatically eligible for these rights.

The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including CM Mohan Majhi, Union Minister Suresh Pujari, State Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Census Director Nikhil Pavan Kalyan. 

The leaders congratulated the newly inducted citizens and highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and dignity for persecuted minorities who sought refuge in India. Officials further stated that the citizenship approval process is ongoing, and more applicants will be granted certificates after completing verification.

Speaking at the event, the CM said, “People from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities who have been living here can apply so that the Centre, state government and administration can take steps to provide them with citizenship. With this, they are now entitled to all constitutional rights, benefits, and government facilities available to Indian citizens. They will also be guided to abide by the law like a regular citizen of this country.” 

“The issues that had been pertaining since years, after the CAA Act, we have finally given citizenship to at least 35 of the refugees. I thank Chief Minister for taking time, because this is an important aspect. Many people who are yet to apply for citizenship will apply now after seeing the CM so that we can give more citizenship to more number of people after necessary verification,” informed Census Director Nikhil Pavan Kalyan.