The Central government has enhanced the framework for managing citizenship applications in West Bengal by forming two state-level empowered committees as outlined in the Citizenship Rules, 2009. This initiative, announced on March 2, falls under the provisions of Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and is aimed at strengthening the existing administrative structure.

Composition and Responsibilities of the Committees

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), each of the new committees will be led by officials holding a rank of deputy secretary or higher from the Central government. These leaders will be appointed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

Each committee will also consist of several other officials, including an officer from the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau ranked no lower than under secretary, an officer nominated by the jurisdictional Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, and an officer from the National Informatics Centre of West Bengal, also not below the rank of under secretary. Additionally, the Postmaster General of West Bengal, or a nominated postal officer, will serve on the committee.

Invitees and Administrative Coordination

The committees are designed to include invitees from other relevant governmental bodies. A representative from the office of the Principal Secretary (Home) or the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of West Bengal will be present, along with a representative from the jurisdictional Divisional Railway Manager. This arrangement aims to enhance coordination between various departments involved in the citizenship application process.

Legal Framework and Objectives

The establishment of these committees aligns with the legal framework established under the Citizenship Act and its associated rules. The intent behind this move is to promote systematic scrutiny of citizenship applications and improve inter-departmental cooperation in processing cases. According to the order, all conditions pertaining to these committees will remain consistent with earlier notifications issued by the MHA.

Significance of Section 6B and Related Provisions

Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, which allows for a streamlined process for specific communities seeking Indian citizenship, was included in the legislation through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. This amendment facilitates a pathway to citizenship for members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities who entered India from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan prior to December 31, 2014, mainly due to religious persecution.

Operational Details and Future Applications

The Central government detailed additional rules in March 2024 governing the application process, verification protocols, and the roles of both district and state-level entities. Empowered Committees have been assigned the responsibility of evaluating applications, validating documentation, and making recommendations on citizenship grants. Given that West Bengal shares a significant international border with Bangladesh, the state is anticipated to see a considerable number of applications under Section 6B.

Recent Developments

Last month, the MHA also created another empowered committee to aid in the processing of citizenship applications in West Bengal. This committee will be overseen by the Deputy Registrar General from the Directorate of Census Operations in West Bengal and will include senior officials from key central agencies. They will work collaboratively as part of the structured initiatives to ensure effective handling of citizenship cases.

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