In a move aimed at facilitating applicants seeking Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Union Home Ministry has announced the launch of a helpline service. This initiative comes just two days after the formal notification of the CAA's rules.

The government, through an official tweet, disclosed that a helpline number will be made available soon to aid CAA applicants. Individuals across India can avail themselves of this service free of charge to obtain information pertaining to the CAA, 2019. The helpline will operate from 8 am to 8 pm.

Sharing the official announcement on behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the spokesperson stated, "Helpline Number to assist applicants of Indian citizenship under #CAA-2019 is being started soon. Applicants can make free calls from anywhere in India & get info. related to CAA-2019. Helpline to be available from 8 am to 8 pm."

On March 11, the MHA had formally notified the implementation of the CAA's rules. This move opens doors for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi refugees who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to acquire Indian citizenship, even without possessing a valid passport from these countries or an Indian visa.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by the Parliament in December 2019, with the Lok Sabha approving it on December 9 and the Rajya Sabha on December 11.

In response to concerns and protests surrounding the CAA, the MHA issued a statement reassuring Indian Muslims of their equal rights under the law. The ministry emphasized that the CAA does not affect the citizenship status of the approximately 18 crore Indian Muslims, who enjoy the same rights as their Hindu counterparts.

The government clarified that the CAA aims to provide refuge and protection to persecuted minorities in certain Muslim-majority countries and does not target any specific religious group. It emphasized that Islam, as a peaceful religion, does not advocate violence or persecution based on religious beliefs.

Addressing misconceptions about the CAA, the government emphasized that the Act is not discriminatory and does not undermine the rights of Indian Muslims. It urged citizens to view the legislation with compassion and understanding, aimed at safeguarding persecuted communities without prejudice.

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