In a citizenship certificate distribution camp organised by the Ahmedabad district administration, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi awarded Indian citizenship certificates to 56 Pakistani minority citizens. Addressing the recipients, Sanghavi said, “Smile! Because you are now citizens of India.”
Sanghavi noted that the recipients were visibly joyful and confident as they received their certificates. He highlighted the challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, emphasising that these communities often endure severe hardships and threats to their safety. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citizenship laws were amended to provide these individuals with their rightful identity as Indian citizens.
Expressing pride in the recipients, Sanghavi encouraged them to contribute to their new homeland. He stated that many minority families from Pakistan have successfully integrated into Indian society, contributing to its development, with their children excelling in academics.
The camp also marked ongoing efforts by the Ahmedabad district administration, which has been awarding citizenship certificates since 2017 under a well-structured plan. Resident Deputy Collector Bhavin Sagar described the certificate as a significant document, adding that eligible citizens have been regularly granted citizenship through such camps following amendments in the law.
Maninagar MLA Amul Bhatt praised the Prime Minister for prioritising citizen welfare, while Naroda MLA Dr. Payal Kukarani emphasised the importance of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in granting refugees their rights. She also urged recipients to uphold national unity and contribute to India’s progress.
Some beneficiaries shared their gratitude towards the government, particularly PM Modi, for the citizenship law. Dr. Isha Kumari, a recipient and a professional doctor, expressed her joy, stating, “From today, I am a proud Indian doctor. I will fulfil my duties to the nation with sincerity.”
It is noteworthy that under gazette notifications dated December 23, 2016, and October 23, 2018, district collectors in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kutch were empowered to grant Indian citizenship to minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Since 2017, Ahmedabad district alone has granted citizenship to 1,167 individuals, including the 56 recipients of this camp.
The event was attended by MLAs Amit Shah, Dinesh Kushwaha, and Babu Singh Jadav; Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel; Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani; officials; beneficiaries; and their families.