District collectors empowered to grant citizenship under CAA rules

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued orders granting district collectors in six states and two union territories the power to process and grant citizenship applications under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The decision effectively phases out the centralized panels that previously handled such matters, streamlining the administrative process at the grassroots level.

The amended CAA Rules, which were first notified on March 11, 2024, have now been further modified to implement this devolution of authority. District collectors will now have direct responsibility for evaluating citizenship applications and issuing decisions, reducing processing timelines and bringing the administrative machinery closer to applicants.

The decentralization is expected to accelerate citizenship processing for eligible applicants, particularly religious minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who seek Indian citizenship under the CAA framework. By shifting decision-making authority to district administrations, the central government aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve service delivery.

The notification comes as the implementation of the CAA Rules continues across the country, with various states and union territories gradually operationalizing the provisions. The delegation of powers to district collectors represents a significant administrative restructuring in how citizenship matters are handled under the amended legislation.