New Delhi: Furious debates and vehement protests have surfaced across the country when it comes to the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act. 

The Union home ministry on Friday clarified that citizenship of India may be proved by giving any document relating to date of birth or place of birth or both and that “…such a list is likely to include a lot of common documents to ensure that no Indian citizen is unduly harassed or put to inconvenience,” said a spokesperson in the Union home ministry.

 

“They do not have to prove any ancestry by presenting documents like identity cards, birth certificates, etc of parents/grand parents dating back to pre-1971 situation,” said MHA.

In the case of illiterate citizens, who may not have any documents, "Authorities may allow them to produce witnesses or local proofs supported by members of community," the spokesperson added. 

 

"A well laid out procedure will be followed," the MHA added. 

"Any foreigner on becoming eligible can acquire citizenship by registration or by naturalisation irrespective of his country or community," the spokesperson had earlier explained on Twitter. 

The spokesperson further said that the CAA 2019 protects the interest of the tribals and indigenous people of the Northeast by excluding areas under the 6th Schedule and areas covered by inner line permit. 

The home ministry reiterated that the CAA does not apply to Indian citizens in any way. It simply "provides a mechanism for some migrants who may otherwise have been called “illegal” (which in turn would deprive them of opportunity to apply for Indian citizenship), provided they meet certain conditions".