CAA Full Form

The acronym "CAA" carries significant weight in the realm of Indian legislation and social discourse. Standing for the "Citizenship Amendment Act," this legislative enactment, passed on December 12, 2019, has ignited fervent debates and nationwide protests. In this comprehensive exploration of the CAA full form, we delve into its origins, evolution, and the controversies that have shrouded its implementation.

What is the Full Form of CAA?

CAA full form is the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a piece of legislation enacted by the Government of India on December 12, 2019. The act amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 and introduces changes related to the acquisition and grant of Indian citizenship. The CAA aims to provide expedited Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from three neighbouring countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The eligible groups are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.

CAA History

• The idea of providing refuge to religious minorities facing persecution in neighboring countries has been a topic of discussion in India for several decades. These discussions gained momentum due to concerns about the rights and well-being of minority communities in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
• The CAA's history is closely linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, which aimed to identify undocumented immigrants in the state of Assam. The NRC process, completed in August 2019, resulted in the exclusion of a significant number of people, including a substantial portion of Hindu Bengali migrants.
• The CAA was introduced in the Indian Parliament in December 2019. It aimed to provide expedited Indian citizenship to specific religious minority groups – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians – who had entered India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan before December 31, 2014.

Difference Between CAA and NRC

• Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA):
  • Enacted in 2019.
  • Provides a path to Indian citizenship for specific religious minority groups from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.
  • Applicable to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.

• National Register of Citizens (NRC):
  • State-specific process, implemented in Assam in 2019.
  • Aims to identify undocumented immigrants residing in the state.
  • All residents, irrespective of religion, had to prove their Indian citizenship through documentation.

Controversies Around CAA

• Exclusion of Muslims from CAA's provisions raised concerns of religious discrimination.
• Critics argue CAA undermines India's secular principles enshrined in the Constitution.
• Protests and demonstrations erupted nationwide against the act's alleged bias and impact.
• The connection between CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) raised fears of exclusion for vulnerable groups.
• International organizations and governments expressed concern over potential human rights violations.
•  It does not address illegal migrants from other neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. 

Written By:

Shivakshi