Post MBA exam results, Group Discussion will be crucial for MBA admission so it is advised to read and practice with variety of topics. In following GD Topic you will be getting some points with divergent views which you can pick up and develop.
Today, you will read GD topic:
"Why CAB (Citizen Amendment Bill ) is stimulating yet provocative?"
Ever since the Government of India tabled the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in the Parliament, the country has been witnessing strong reactions from all quarters, both in support and opposition. The Bill, which has now become a law after the President’s assent, aims to address a major cause of concern in several parts of India- the issue of migration into a particular state of India. The need for the Bill has been felt due to the fact that a lot of people, who have faced persecution in other parts of the world have infiltrated into India and have made India their home, without getting the benefits of citizenship. The Bill, however, has provoked a large section of the society, who feel that it goes against the secular ideals enshrined in the Constitution of the country.
What is CAB?
The Citizenship Amendment Act, passed by the Indian Parliament on 11 December 2019, ammended the Citizenship Act of 1955, by providing, for the first time, a way for people from certain religious communities namely, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Parsis, who had fled persecution on the basis of religion in the neighbouring countries (of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh) and entered India on or before 31 December 2014, to become citizens of India.
Opposition to CAB
People who remain critical of the Bill argue that the Bill discriminates on the basis of religion (as it excludes Muslims from the neighbouring countries who have entered India), and therefore, goes against the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution of India and also violates the principles of liberalism, equality and justice. Critics also point out that the Bill does not take into account the persecuted minorities of Myanmar (Rohingyas) and Sri Lanka(Tamils) who are staying in the country as refugees.
Basis for selection
The basis for selection of the countries also remains questionable. Countries such as Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar which share a land border with India have been excluded. The argument for including only the three countries is that these countries have a State religion and, historically, religious minorities have been discriminated against, and have been forced to come to India
CAB and Northeastern States
The Northeastern states have been suffering due to the influx of migrants or 'outsiders', which is changing the very character of these States. They fear that CAB will result in more migrants entering their State (especially from Bangladesh), who will be granted citizenship. This will erode the indigenous culture of the State, result in loss of livelihood and change the demography.
In support of CAB
Those in support of CAB point out that the Bill does not discriminate and assure that Indians don't have to fear. The Muslim persecuted communities like Rohingya Muslims can obtain citizenship through naturalization. Other minorities too could exploit other options to acquire Indian citizenship.
The Citizenship Amendment Bill has stirred up a hornet's nest. It has evoked strong emotions in people across the country. Only time will tell if the Bill will turn out to be helpful in checking illegal immigration or the fears around the Bill will come true.
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