West Bengal issues 23,000 CAA certificates as 2.07 lakh applications await clearance

West Bengal has issued 23,000 citizenship certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, with approximately 2.07 lakh applications still awaiting clearance, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Monday.

Speaking to media persons at the State Secretariat, Adhikari said the state government had received a total of 2.30 lakh applications for CAA certificates. "Through the district magistrates, we will complete the hearings and grant the certificates. Now it is up to us to give certificates," he stated.

Processing shifted to District Collectors

The announcement follows the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' recent decision to transfer the processing of pending CAA citizenship applications from Empowered Committees to District Collectors across eight States and Union Territories.

Adhikari urged people who have come to India after facing religious persecution to apply to the state government for CAA certificates.

The CAA issue gained prominence during the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 campaign, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to fast-track and accelerate the law's implementation to grant legal citizenship rights to refugee communities like the Matuas and Namasudras.

Governor clears public order legislation

In separate developments, Adhikari announced that Governor R.N. Ravi has approved the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with a notification issued on the same day. The legislation enables the arrest of those attacking police and the recovery of costs for public property damage. It imposes compensation on persons committing offences such as causing damage to public or private property.

Another piece of legislation, the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, which empowers the government to detain a person for 12 months, is pending approval from the President.

Source: The Hindu