MHA Transfers CAA Application Processing to District Collectors

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred the processing of pending citizenship applications under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, to District Collectors in eight States and Union Territories. The change applies to applications under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955, and replaces the earlier central committee-based mechanism.

Citizenship Amendment Act and Section 6B

The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, inserted Section 6B into the Citizenship Act, 1955. Section 6B provides a legal route for citizenship to eligible persons covered under the Act, subject to prescribed conditions and verification. The Citizenship Act, 1955, is the principal law governing acquisition and termination of Indian citizenship. It covers citizenship by birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, and incorporation of territory.

New Processing Authority

The Citizenship (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, transferred the authority to process pending applications to District Collectors. The change applies to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and the non-tribal areas of Assam and Tripura. District Collectors can now verify documents, conduct inquiries, administer the oath of allegiance, and grant citizenship to applicants found fit and proper. The transfer places the first level of processing at the district administration level in the specified regions.

Earlier Committee-Based Framework

The earlier framework, introduced on March 11, 2024, used Empowered Committees and District Level Committees. These committees included officials from the Census, Intelligence Bureau, and postal departments. The new notification also rescinded two administrative orders dated February 20, 2026, and March 2, 2026. Actions already completed under those orders remain valid.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, amended the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Section 6B deals with citizenship for eligible persons covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.
• District Collectors are district-level administrative heads in India.
• The Intelligence Bureau is India’s internal intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Administrative Coverage

The revised mechanism covers eight specified States and Union Territories. The non-tribal areas of Assam and Tripura are included separately in the notification. The processing of pending applications under the new rules is handled within the district administration structure. The change is part of the Citizenship (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026.