MHA Transfers CAA Application Processing to District Collectors

Key facts

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has authorised district Collectors in eight states and Union Territories to process citizenship applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.
• The authority was previously vested in Empowered Committees comprising Union government officials.
• The Citizenship (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified on August 19, empower Collectors to receive, scrutinise and dispose of applications.
• The Collectors will replace the Empowered Committees and Designated Officers in these jurisdictions.
• The affected states and Union Territories are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam (excluding tribal areas), Tripura (excluding tribal areas), Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• The Collector must verify documents, conduct an enquiry, administer the Oath of Allegiance, and determine the applicant's eligibility for citizenship.