06/09/2014 …. Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed matters relating to grant of Citizenship that takes a long time for completion of the entire process. This causes hardships and difficulties to applicants, especially to minorities from neighbouring countries who are often of poor economic standing. In this regard, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has received representations from time to time.
The Union Home Minister approved the setting up of a Task Force to monitor and expedite processing of Citizenship and Long Term Visa (LTV) applications, which will start functioning in two weeks time. The Task Force will be headed by Joint Secretary (Foreigners).
The Task Force would, inter alia, undertake the following activities:
(a) Cases having complete documents will be expedited so that all processing is completed within two months.
(b) Where representations are received about specific pending cases in State Governments, MHA will follow up with State Governments concerned. MHA officials may also be sent to coordinate with State Home Department and FRO officials.
(c) Since the initial applications are filed online, the Task Force would monitor the applications filed and keep track of progress.
(d) For many applicants, the grant of LTV would have to be processed/considered first. The Task Force will coordinate LTV related matters also.
