In an effort to allow certain minorities from Pakistan to continue to live and work in India, the Modi led government has put forth a proposal to simply the process of obtaining Indian citizenship for such individuals.
Under the proposal, certain Pakistan nationals staying in India on a Long Term Visa will be permitted to open bank accounts with prior RBI approval, subject to certain conditions, to buy property, obtain a permanent Account Number (PAN) and Aadhaar Number, will be given permission to take up self- employment or for doing business. Importantly, the requirement of appearing before the FRO will not apply and such individuals will be allowed free movement within the state where they are staying. The government has also proposed to reduce the fees for registration as citizens of India for these Pakistan nationals belonging to minority communities.
Collectors and District Magistrates of certain designated towns and cities will be vested with powers for 2 years for registration of the Pakistan nationals as citizens of India upon receiving Indian citizenship.
The exact number of Pakistan nationals belonging to minorities who are currently staying in India is not known. There is a large number of Pakistani Hindu refugee communities in different parts of India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Raipur, Rajkot, Kutch, Bhopal and Indore.
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