West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a target to grant citizenship under the CAA to 250,000 applicants by December 31, 2026. The state has also launched a Rs 50 crore development fund for the Matua community. This move marks a significant shift in administrative policy, aiming to fast-track pending applications and streamline access to welfare benefits for eligible individuals.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced an accelerated timeline for processing applications under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), aiming to finalize citizenship for 250,000 individuals before the end of the 2026 calendar year. The announcement was made at the International Matua Gosai Convention in Thakurnagar, highlighting a change in the state's administrative approach since the current government took office in May 2026.
As of the announcement, approximately 25,000 citizenship certificates have been issued in the state. To reach the target of 2.5 lakh applications by December 31, the administration is focusing on fast-tracking hearings and verification processes through district magistrates. Officials aim to clear the remaining backlog of over 2 lakh applications within this two-month window. Alongside the citizenship drive, the government has earmarked a Rs 50 crore development fund specifically for the Matua community, which has significant historical roots in the region. The state also plans to provide official Scheduled Caste (SC) certification to eligible citizenship recipients, a step designed to help them access state welfare benefits.
This initiative marks a departure from the previous state administration's stance on the legislation. By aligning with the national framework, the government is focusing on the integration of migrants from neighbouring countries. However, the ambitious timeline of clearing such a large volume of applications in a short period presents operational challenges. The ability of district administrative offices to process documents and verify eligibility at this speed will be the primary factor determining the success of this target.
From a socio-economic perspective, the implementation of this policy involves complex administrative work. The fast-tracking process will require careful scrutiny to ensure all legal and documentation requirements are met. Observers are tracking the progress of these district-level hearings, as any bottlenecks in verification could delay the year-end goal. Additionally, the social and political impact of this policy shift in West Bengal remains a critical point of interest, as the government continues to balance large-scale administrative procedures with ongoing welfare objectives.