Kolkata, 13 October (H.S.): The state government has taken a significant step toward granting citizenship to Hindu refugees from Bangladesh and providing certificates under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to the Matua community. While inaugurating a Durga Puja in the Matua-dominated Bongaon area of North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari delivered a clear message from the stage that there would be no hurdles in the distribution of CAA certificates to the refugees. Additionally, he launched a scathing attack on opposition protests, urging the public to remain vigilant against anti-national elements.

Addressing the gathering in Bongaon, the Chief Minister stated that following the green signal from the Union Home Ministry, the process of issuing CAA certificates at the state government level is now being accelerated. He assured that the entire process of enrolling names in the citizenship registry and obtaining certificates would remain transparent and seamless.

This assurance, delivered in the border region during the auspicious period of Devipaksha, is expected to further expedite the citizenship process among the Matua community.

Taking a strong stance on the ongoing opposition protests in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Minister strongly criticized the CPI(M) and other opposition parties. He alleged that certain forces are attempting to regain their lost political ground through such agitations. He appealed to the general public not to be misled by Naxals and disruptive elements aiming to weaken the country, urging citizens to stay fully alert against them.

Highlighting regional development and social security schemes, the Chief Minister noted that in the Bongaon area alone, 72,000 women are currently receiving a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 under the 'Annapurna Bhandar' scheme. He added that eligible women who have not yet enrolled in the program can still apply; upon verification, they too will receive the benefits. Furthermore, he reiterated his commitment to establishing new industries and strengthening the overall infrastructure in this region adjacent to the India-Bangladesh border.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh