Bihar: Woman Receives Indian Citizenship Under CAA After Four Decades

Patna, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Indian government has officially granted citizenship to Sumitra Prasad, known as Rani Saha, a resident of Bihar's Ara city for the past 40 years.

This is a significant milestone as it marks the first instance in Bihar where citizenship has been awarded under the provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its associated regulations.

Sumitra, who operates a grocery store on Chitra Toli Road in Ara, has been in India on a visa since 1985.

Her path to obtaining citizenship has been fraught with challenges, involving countless trips to police stations and embassies over many years.

Her citizenship was ultimately granted by the State Level Empowered Committee in accordance with sub-rule (1) of Rule 11A of the Citizenship Rules, 2009, as well as Rule 13A.

Sumitra's life narrative is deeply connected to significant historical moments.

At the tender age of five in 1970, she moved to her aunt's residence in what was then known as undivided Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

After completing her education in Bangladesh, the political landscape dramatically shifted following the nation’s independence on December 16, 1971.

In January 1985, Sumitra returned to India and reunited with family in the Katihar district of Bihar.

Shortly after, on March 10, 1985, she married Parmeshwar Prasad and established her home in Ara.

She has since nurtured her family there, raising three daughters: Priyanka, Priyadarshini, and Aishwarya.

Tragically, her husband passed away from bone cancer in 2010, leaving her as the primary provider for the family.

In her expression of gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi's administration, Sumitra remarked: "When I was five years old, I went to my aunt's house in Bangladesh. By the time I returned to India in 1985, Bangladesh had already become an independent nation. I've lived here since then, but only now have I been granted citizenship. I am sincerely thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for this opportunity."

Sumitra's journey to Indian citizenship reflects decades of hardship, ambiguity, and fortitude.

Living on a visa for over 40 years in Ara, Bihar, she faced numerous challenges, ranging from bureaucratic obstacles to societal pressures, before finally attaining Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

She recounted the relentless difficulties she encountered while living on a visa.

Each year, she had to navigate intricate and lengthy processes, frequently visiting police stations and embassies.

Local residents often issued threats of deportation to Bangladesh, and she was repeatedly warned of potential imprisonment.

In 2023, delays in renewing her visa led to a summons at the Arah town police station, where she was told to return to Bangladesh.

For the last three visa renewals, Sumitra had to journey to Kolkata, which added to her burden.

In 2024, while seeking a visa extension in Kolkata, Sumitra and her family learned about the provisions of the CAA.

Her youngest daughter, Aishwarya Prasad, took the initiative to start the application process in October 2024.

Despite the family's protracted struggles, Aishwarya persevered and successfully completed the application, securing citizenship for her mother.

Sumitra's late husband, Parmeshwar Prasad, once operated a home appliance shop in Ara to support their family.

Following his passing in 2010, the family's challenges grew more severe.

Of Sumitra's three daughters, two are married, while the youngest, Aishwarya, currently cares for her.

Due to her visa status, Sumitra was unable to access essential government services such as an Aadhaar card, ration card, or gas connection.

The family rejoices at the approval of citizenship.

Aishwarya expressed her relief, stating: "My mother has been deprived of all government facilities for countless years. Now, we can finally prepare all her documents and access benefits like Aadhaar, ration cards, and gas connections. The lack of a visa extension during the Covid-19 pandemic brought immense anxiety, but this newfound citizenship has filled us with relief."