CAA and NRC

NRC: The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a list or database that the Indian government keeps to keep track of all the legal citizens of the country. A list of everyone who is a citizen of the country and has the right to live there is the idea. This was especially important in Assam to find real Indian citizens and people who might be living in the state without the right papers.

CAA: The Indian government passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019. It gives people from certain faith groups—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—who came to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan before December 31, 2014, a way to become Indian citizens. 

In December 2019, the Indian Parliament enacted the Citizenship Amendment

Act, or CAA. For some religious minorities who have been persecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other nearby nations, this statute offers a route to Indian citizenship. Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who immigrated to India before December 31, 2014, are the target audience for the CAA. Neither Muslims nor other religious groups are covered by it. 

National Register of Citizens (NRC) 

A proposed national registry called the NRC seeks to identify undocumented immigrants living in India. The goal of the NRC is to compile a complete list of citizens by using official data such as 

• Birth certificates,
• Voter rolls, and 
• Land records to confirm each person's citizenship. 

Individuals who do not present adequate documentation of their Indian citizenship may be considered undocumented immigrants and may be subject to deportation. 

• The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was approved by the Indian Parliament in December 2019. 
• Intends to give religious minorities from nearby nations a route to Indian citizenship. 
• Specifically targets immigrants to India before December 31, 2014, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. 
• Excludes other religious groups and Muslims. 
• Perceived by many communities as both discriminating and a form of sanctuary. 
• The proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a national registry intended to detect undocumented immigrants in India. 
• Uses records such birth certificates, property records, and voter lists to confirm citizenship. 
• Those who cannot produce enough documentation of their Indian citizenship risk deportation. 
• Raises questions regarding possible statelessness and the marginalization of underprivileged communities. 

An International View: CAA and NRC

The global impact of the (CAA) & (NRC) in India has been met with international criticism and commentary. 

Worldwide Reactions and Issues

• US Reaction: Citing the CAA as incompatible with the fundamental principles of religious pluralism, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USIRF) denounced the law. Concerns with the Act were expressed in the US's criticism. 
• European Union: The European Union (EU) took a largely impartial stand, stressing the significance of actions taken to bring back the liberties and rights of the people living in Kashmir. Perhaps as a result of their common interests in the strategic partnership between the EU & India, the EU hoped that the CAA complies with the high standards of the Indian constitution. 
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Consistent with its previous support for Muslims denied rights, the OIC expressed growing worry over the CAA because it appeared to discriminate against Indian Muslims. 
• China and Pakistan's Joint Statement: China and Pakistan released a joint statements expressing concern about  CAA situation and pointing out the regional ramifications of India's domestic policy choices. 

Effect on India's International Image 

The responses and worries expressed by the foreign community over the CAA and NRC demonstrate the policies' worldwide influence and highlight the necessity of realigning India's internal and international priorities in order to preserve its reputation abroad. India's strategic alliances have had to be reevaluated in response to these policies, which have also sparked debate about common values and the moral principles that guide international relations. 

Historical Background of NRC and CAA 

The complicated history of India, particularly with regard to immigration, citizenship, and religious plurality, is the foundation of both the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). 

Divide and the Refugee Issue 

The Assam Accord of 1985, which sought to identify and remove illegal immigrants, especially those from Bangladesh, who had entered the state after March 24, 1971, is where the NRC got its historical start. Concerns for Assamese indigenous tribes' safety and the state's changing demographics prompted this action. 

The Assam Accord and Unauthorized Immigration 

The Assam Accord of 1985, which sought to identify and remove illegal immigrants, especially those from Bangladesh, who had entered the state after March 24, 1971, is where the NRC got its historical start. Concerns for Assamese indigenous tribes' safety and the state's changing demographics prompted this action. 

The Development of Citizenship Laws 

India has seen talks and arguments about citizenship rules over the years, especially when it comes to dealing with illegal immigration and providing asylum to refugees. These conversations have frequently touched on the nation's secular values and dedication to safeguarding marginalized people. 

Social and Political Dynamics 

The emergence of political and social myths about citizenship, identity, and how religious minorities are treated is another aspect of the historical setting. The conversation around the CAA and NRC has been greatly influenced by these narratives. 

The following are some frequent misunderstandings and explanations about these policies: 

Error - CAA is a law that is hostile to Muslims. 

To be clear, the CAA has no bearing on an Indian's current status as a citizen, regardless of their faith. It relates specifically to giving marginalized people from particular surrounding nations a route to Indian citizenship. It does not deprive any Indian, Muslim or otherwise, of their citizenship.

Myth: The NRC will cause a large-scale exodus of Indian residents. 

To be clear, the main goal of the NRC is to recognize and tackle the problem of illegal immigration. By a process of verification, it seeks to establish a register of Indian nationals. No Indian citizen will face undue harassment or needless obstacles during this procedure, the administration has stressed. 

Myth: The NRC and CAA discriminate against some communities. 

To be clear, the CAA's proponents contend that their goal is to shield marginalized communities from injustice and give them a route to Indian citizenship. Critics worry that the NRC verification process may lead to discrimination and that Muslims may be left out. In order to maintain equity and inclusivity, it is critical to comprehend and resolve these issues. 

Myth: The NRC and the CAA are two very different things. 

To be clear, the NRC and CAA have different policies, yet there are worries that in actuality they might be related. There is concern that those who are not allowed to be in the NRC would try to obtain protection under the CAA, which could provide difficult legal and humanitarian situations.