As many as 23,000 certificates issued under CAA, 2.3 lakh applications made says WB CM
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that 23,000 citizenship certificates have been issued under the CAA, with over 200,000 applications still pending. The state government is moving to fast-track the process while also introducing new legislation regarding public order and property damage.
Why it matters
The implementation of the CAA remains a highly sensitive political issue in India, impacting refugee communities and state-center administrative relations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday (August 24, 2026) said that 23,000 certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 have been distributed out of the 2.30 lakh applications that have been made.
“Through the district magistrates, we will complete the hearings and grant the certificates. Now it is up to us to give certificates,” Mr. Adhikari said. The Chief Minister said that about 2.07 lakh applications are pending with the State government. He also urged people who have to come to India after facing religious persecution to apply to the State government for CAA certificates.
A few days ago, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) transferred the processing of pending citizenship applications under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, from Empowered Committees to District Collectors in eight States and Union Territories.
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