As many as 114 Pakistani Hindu nationals were granted Indian citizenship in Ahmedabad last week by the district collector using her power to process the citizenship applications.
Speaking to Garavi Gujarat, Ahmedabad District collector Ms. Avantika Singh said that the Government of India took a policy decision that for Hindus from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, their application for Indian citizenship would be processed at the district collectorate of the place of their residence. Application for Indian citizenship has to be lodged with Indian Home ministry, but for these specified groups, the powers for process as well as the decision have been vested in the District Collectors of the respective places. Under the new procedure, 114 Pakistani Hindus were granted Indian citizenship last week. They were handed over the certificates for the same on Friday, 21st July.
As per the law, the powers to decide on the citizenship are vested with the District Collectors only, but the previous Union governments had made it a precedent that all applications for citizenships were to be made before the Union Home ministry only. It was only recently, when a new government under Narendra Modi came to power in the country that the decision was revised. The government also decided that for Hindus from Pakistan as well as other neighbouring countries, no rules like seeking asylum etc. will be applicable. Being a Hindu from these countries, whether they have already come to India and settled somewhere or they intend to do so would be enough. They simply have to apply for Indian citizenship and in most of the cases, they will be given the same.
Ahmedabad Collector Ms. Avantika Singh further said that the feeling largely among those who got citizenship last week was, as per their chat with local media, that these Hindus have found India to be a definitely better developed country as compared to Pakistan.
Many of they say that there is very little or no development in Pakistan. Further, a situation of lawlessness was a reason for worry. They being minority and particularly Hindus made life worse. Terrorism enjoying a free reign was the last straw for them. Comparatively, life is far more safe and enjoyable here in India. The joy of having granted Indian citizenship was evident on their radiant faces, elated voices. They also expressed gratitude to the Union government for having made the process for citizenship simple and speedy.
While these 114 are rejoicing at the chance that they got to make amends for the mistake that they themselves or their elders had committed 70 years ago, of deciding to stay in Pakistan, a few more families are awaiting for the same joy as applications for almost 216 more are under process and may get the nod soon.
