West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that 23,000 certificates have been issued under the Citizenship Amendment Act, while 2.07 lakh applications remain pending out of a total of 2.30 lakh. The state vows to speed up the remaining processing.

  • 23,000 CAA certificates issued
  • 2.30 lakh total applications received
  • 2.07 lakh applications still pending

Current Figures on CAA Certifications

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on Monday, August 24, 2026, that 23,000 certificates have been distributed under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 out of a total of 2.30 lakh applications.

He added, “Through the district magistrates, we will complete hearings and grant the certificates. It is now our responsibility to issue them promptly.”

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Status of Pending Applications

Approximately 2.07 lakh applications are still awaiting clearance with the state government. The CM urged those fleeing religious persecution to submit their requests without delay.

Process Shift: Empowering District Collectors

A few days earlier, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the processing of pending CAA applications from Empowered Committees to district collectors across eight states and union territories, aiming for faster and more transparent handling.

Political Backdrop

During the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to fast‑track the implementation of the CAA, providing legal citizenship to refugee communities such as the Matuas and Namasudras. Following this pledge, the state government has taken several legislative steps.

State Legislative Initiatives

Chief Minister Adhikari noted that Governor R.N. Ravi has approved a new act allowing the arrest of individuals who attack police and mandating compensation for damage to public property. This is encapsulated in the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Another bill, the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti‑Social Activities Bill, 2026, which would empower the government to detain a person for up to 12 months, is awaiting presidential assent.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the acceleration of CAA certifications in West Bengal could set a precedent for other states, influencing both domestic politics and international perceptions of India's refugee policies.

"The swift issuance of CAA certificates is a double‑edged sword—while it offers relief to persecuted minorities, it also raises concerns about communal harmony," says Dr. Ananya Roy, senior policy analyst.
Did You Know?: West Bengal became the first state to grant its Governor authority to approve compensation bills related to public order violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What documents are required to apply for a CAA certificate?
A: Applicants must submit identity proof, birth certificate, and evidence of religious persecution.

Q2: Will the remaining 2.07 lakh applications be cleared within the next month?
A: The state government has pledged to process most pending cases within the next two months, though a precise timeline has not yet been announced.