District collectors now sole judges of CAA applications in eight states, bypassing committees

The Centre has given district collectors the authority to decide and approve Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) applications in eight states and Union Territories, replacing committee-based scrutiny. This change, effective immediately following two August 19 notifications by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to simplify and speed up processing. Pending applications will be transferred directly to collectors, who now serve as final authorities for examining applications, verifying documents, conducting inquiries, administering oaths, and granting citizenship under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act.