West Bengal Targets Six-Month Deadline to Clear Pending CAA Applications

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday announced that the state government aims to dispose of all pending applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) within the next six months, marking a significant push to accelerate the implementation of the citizenship law.

Speaking at a citizenship certificate distribution programme in New Town, where around 300 members of the Matua community received Indian citizenship certificates, Adhikari reiterated that the CAA is intended to grant citizenship rather than take it away. He urged all eligible applicants to complete the application process, assuring that more certificates would be issued in the coming months.

According to the state government, 23,956 citizenship certificates have been issued so far from 2,30,605 applications received across West Bengal. Nadia district has recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, followed by North 24 Parganas. The government said nearly 6,000 certificates have been issued since the new administration assumed office.

To streamline processing, the state plans to delegate legal and administrative powers to district magistrates within a month, following consultations with the Union Home Secretary. The move is expected to reduce delays and improve the efficiency of CAA application disposal, similar to arrangements already in place in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Adhikari also said the government would facilitate the inclusion of successful applicants in electoral rolls, ensure eligible beneficiaries receive Scheduled Caste certificates in a time-bound manner, and provide assistance to applicants facing legal or documentation-related issues. State police have also been directed to prevent harassment of eligible applicants during the process.

The announcement reflects the government's focus on strengthening administrative mechanisms for implementing the CAA while expanding access to citizenship benefits for eligible refugees covered under the legislation.