Told to make recommendations on case-by-case basis; invite applications and objections through publicity, fair inquiries
PANAJI
In a significant development, the Central government has delegated powers for inquiry into the dual citizenship issue to the North and South Goa District Collectors, while directing to make necessary case-to-case basis recommendations.
The decision, under the Citizenship Act, 1955, communicated through a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 14, allows collectors to investigate the acquisition of citizenship by Goa residents from other countries. This delegation of authority is valid for two years from the notification date.
A similar order was issued in May 2019.
Dual citizenship is a sensitive issue in Goa where thousands of citizens have cancelled their Indian passports and have taken Portuguese citizenship to get employment in European Union countries.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 16 of the Citizenship Act 1955, the Central government hereby directs that the powers exercisable by it under sub-section (2) of the Section 9 of the Act, shall be exercisable by the District Collector, North Goa and South Goa for the purpose of inquiring into the issue of acquisition of citizenship of another country by the residents of the State of Goa,” reads the notification issued by Joint Secretary Prashant Lokhande.
“Make appropriate recommendations to the Central government through the State government in accordance with the procedure,” it added.
The directive, enacted under Section 16 of the Act, requires collectors to invite applications and objections with proper publicity and conduct inquiries in a fair and transparent manner, following the Citizenship Rules, 2009.
The citizenship issue in Goa is rooted back to 1961, when the State was a Portuguese colony and after its liberation, many residents faced complexities regarding their citizenship status.
Over the years, the issue has resurfaced, with Goans demanding dual citizenship powers.
Earlier this year, the issue of dual citizenship became a point of debate and discussion following revocation of Indian passports of several Goans by the Regional Passport Office in Goa, for registering their births in Portugal.
The Goa Legislative Assembly had resolved that due to the peculiar circumstances by which Goa, Daman and Diu came to be liberated from the Portuguese regime and subsequent conferment of Indian citizenship on those nationals, the government of India be requested to permit dual citizenship to those covered by the Goa, Daman and Diu citizenship order.
The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had thereafter called on the Central government with the proposal.
