Pakistani Hindus to get Indian nationality via hassle-free process; Modi-government set to amend Citizenship Act 1955

Narendra Modi government is going to make few amendments in the existing citizenship act to provide hassle-free process to Pakistani Hindus to get Indian nationality.

New Delhi, Jun 1: Narendra Modi government is going to make few amendments in the existing citizenship act to provide hassle-free process to Pakistani Hindus to get Indian nationality. After the amendments, Hindus from Pakistan will be able to get Indian citizenship easily. Modi-government, acting on its election manifesto, has given over 4,000 citizenships to Hindus from neighbouring countries within two years.

According to the India Today report, the government is going to bring a Bill to amend the Citizenship Act 1955. The Bill will be introduced in the Parliament during the monsoon session scheduled in July-August. “Final touches are being given to the Cabinet proposal that is expected to get the nod this month itself,” a home ministry official was quoted as saying. (ALSO READ: Government to allow Pakistani Hindus to buy property, open bank accounts)

Proposed amendments:

1- The government is going to propose several changes in the Citizenship Act 1955 to get rid of all hurdles being faced by Pakistani Hindus who want to become Indian citizens. After amedments, Pakistani Hindus won’t require renunciation certificate that is compulsory from the home country to get citizenship.

2- The government will reduce the registration fees from Rs 15000 to Rs 100 for each member of the family.

3- The district magistrate and Superintendent of Police will have the authority to deal with citizenship matters and examine the applications. It means Pakistani Hindus won’t have to approach Home Ministry to get Indian citizenship.

4- After getting citizenship, Pakistani Hindus will be allowed to open bank accounts, get driving licenses, PAN cards and Aadhaar cards.
The changes will also allow Hindus from Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who have been targeted in their country to become citizens of India.

“The present government has taken a number of steps to address the problem being faced by minority communities in neighbouring countries who have come to India due to religious persecution in their country,” said the government statement. Earlier the Modi-government has started an online system for Long Term Visa applications that allowed Hindus of neighbouring countries to live in India for a period of five years.