New Delhi: The Citizenship bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, but could not be tabled in the Upper House on Wednesday.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh told the House, “This is not just for Assam or the northeast, but is valid for all states and Union Territories as well. Neither is this for people of one particular country. This amendment is for migrants who have come through eastern and western borders and are staying in different parts of India. The responsibility will not be Assam’s alone and whatever steps are needed to be taken, the Centre will take.”
Rajnath Singh also informed Rajya Sabha that the purpose of the bill was to provide Indian citizenship to those who had been forced to seek shelter in India because of religious persecution or fear of persecution in their home countries, primarily Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Saying that there seem to be some misgivings that have been spread with regard to the bill, he reiterated that the Bill is not just for Assam. He told that citizenship will only be given to people after scrutiny and recommendation of district authorities and the state governments.