Data on non-Muslim refugees benefiting from CAA not maintained by Centre, says Modi govt

The Modi government in a reply to a question seeking data on the number of refugees benefiting from the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) said such data is not “centrally maintained”, therefore not available with the government.

CPI Rajya Sabha MP Binoy Viswam raised the question with the Home Ministry asking:

• The total number of refugees belonging to Hindu, Buddhist, Parsi, Christian and Sikh religions from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh currently residing in the country.
• The total number of refugees belonging to Hindu, Buddhist, Parsi, Christian and Sikh religions from countries other than Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh currently residing in the country.

The CPI leader also sought to know the total number of refugees belonging to other faiths than those mentioned above currently residing in the country.

Replying to the question raised by Viswam, MoS Home, Nityanand Rai said in Rajya Sabha that the data is not maintained by the Centre.

“Data relating to foreign nationals claiming to be refugees and residing in India is not maintained centrally,” said the minister.

The minister reiterated that India is neither a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the status of Refugees or the 1967 Protocol.

“India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the status and the 1967 Protocol thereon. All foreign nationals including refugee seekers are governed by the provisions contained in the Foreigners Act 1946, the Registration of Foreigners Act 1939, the Passport Act 1920 and the Citizenship Act, 1955,” added the minister.

Expressing his disappointment, Biswan said, “Ever since the talk about the Citizenship Amendment Bill began, members of the ruling government have spoken about the persecution of ‘religious minorities’ (excluding Muslims) in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The passionate and often venomous rhetoric spewed by them has been in the name of these persecuted minorities, yet it is astonishing that they do not know how many of them exist or will benefit from the CAA.”

“Till date, the government has ensured that these figures do not reach the public as they threaten to expose the divisive politics being played by them. As a direct result of the CAA, millions of Indians across the country have taken to the street in defence of the Constitution and ideals of India, over 30 people have even lost their life due to police excesses. But this government appears to hold no consideration for the citizens of India and continues to mock them with such dubious answers,” added Biswan.