A woman named Sumitra Prasad was granted Indian citizenship under CAA after 40 years.
Patna January 6, 2025: The Indian government has granted citizenship to Sumitra Prasad, also known as Rani Saha, who has been living in Bihar’s Ara city for the last 40 years.
This marks the first case of citizenship granted in Bihar under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Sumitra, who has been residing on a visa in Ara’s Chitra Toli Road while running a grocery shop, has finally received Indian citizenship through the State Level Empowered Committee under sub-rule (1) of Rule 11A and 13A of the Citizenship Rules, 2009.
Sumitra Prasad’s Life Long Struggle and Perseverance:
Sumitra Prasad’s journey to citizenship has been fraught with challenges. Originally from Katihar district in Bihar, her life took a turn when, at just five years old in 1970, she moved to her aunt’s house in what was then undivided Pakistan.
“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 been established as a separate nation. I have lived here ever since, but only now have I received citizenship. I am thankful to Narendra Modi government of centre and Nitish Kumar government of Bihar for it,” Sumitra said.
After the formation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, Sumitra returned to India in 1985. She married Parmeshwar Prasad and settled in Ara city, where she raised three daughters—Priyanka, Priyadarshni, and Aishwarya. Unfortunately, her husband passed away in 2010 due to cancer, leaving her to manage the family on her own.
Despite making India her home. Sumitra lived on a visa for decades, facing an annual struggle with extensions. She recounted incidents of being threatened and pressured to return to Bangladesh and even faced calls to report to the police station due to visa delays.
Sumitra Prasad’s situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic when her visa extension was stalled for three years.
Citizenship Process Under CAA:
In 2024, Sumitra Prasad learned about the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship for certain minorities from neighbouring countries.
Her daughter Aishwarya took the lead in navigating the application process. The family was granted a three-year visa extension during this period, and with persistence, Sumitra successfully obtained Indian citizenship.
A New Beginning:
The family is now overjoyed. Sumitra’s daughter Aishwarya shared that her mother had been deprived of basic facilities like an Aadhar card, ration card, and PAN card. And even a gas connection.
Citizenship will now enable her to access these essential services. The process of securing these documents has already begun.
Reflecting on their long struggle, Aishwarya expressed relief, saying, “During the pandemic, the lack of a valid visa caused us immense stress. But now, my mother can finally live without fear.”
This landmark case highlights the struggles faced by individuals awaiting citizenship and the life-changing impact of finally securing it under the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Also Read: Bihar police are on high alert amid the Bangladesh crisis.
EOM.