Implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 through Post Office (DOP): Establishment of Committees and Operational Guidelines
Download CAA Implementation Guidelines & Application Process in DOP (Post Office) in PDF
Introduction:
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) has set forth significant changes in the process of granting Indian citizenship to eligible individuals. In consonance with the provisions laid out in the Act, the Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, Government of India, has issued directives for the establishment of State Level Empowered Committees (SLEC) and District Level Committees (DLC). These committees play pivotal roles in processing citizenship applications and ensuring adherence to the newly enacted rules and regulations.
Key Components of the Directives:
Formation of State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC):
SLEC shall be constituted in each State or Union Territory, headed by the Director (Census Operations) of the respective region.
Members of SLEC include high-ranking officials from various departments such as the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, State Informatics Officer, and Post Master General.
Additional representatives from relevant government offices and railways are invited as invitees to contribute their expertise to the committee's proceedings.
Establishment of District Level Committee (DLC):
DLCs are to be set up within each district, with the Senior Superintendent or Superintendent of Post acting as the Designated Officer.
Members of DLC include officials such as the District Informatics Officer, a nominee of the Central Government, and additional representatives from the district administration and railways as invitees.
Operational Procedures:
The application process will be conducted through a secured online portal accessible via VPN token.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) have been devised for the processing of citizenship applications, accompanied by Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and a brochure detailing legal provisions for reference.
Facilitation Centres (FC) are to be identified within each district for in-person document verification, ensuring applicants' access to basic amenities.
Action Points for Implementation:
Circles are tasked with nominating members for SLEC and DLC, ensuring representation from relevant government departments and offices.
Mapping of postal divisions to districts is mandated to streamline operational efficiency.
Designated Officers must submit requests for VPN tokens to facilitate secure access to the online portal.
Training sessions are scheduled for nominated personnel to ensure proficiency in handling the application process effectively.
Conclusion:
The directives issued by the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, underscore the meticulous planning and coordination required for the effective implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. By establishing empowered committees at both state and district levels and delineating operational guidelines, the government aims to streamline the citizenship application process, thereby facilitating the integration of eligible individuals into the Indian polity.
