📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Biswarup Ganguly
Politics
West Bengal CM vows CAA certificates for 250,000 Matuas by 2026
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 09:02 AM
👁 16
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that 250,000 members of the Matua community will receive Citizenship Amendment Act certificates by the end of 2026.
Kolkata, November 2 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that the state government will facilitate the issuance of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) certificates to 2.5 lakh members of the Matua community by the close of 2026. The announcement was made during a press briefing in the state capital, where the CM highlighted the administration's commitment to address long‑standing demands of the Matua sect.
The Matua community, largely comprising refugees from Bangladesh, has been seeking regularisation of their citizenship status under the CAA. Banerjee said the government will coordinate with the central authorities to expedite the verification and documentation process, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their certificates within the stipulated timeline.
Political analysts note that the promise comes ahead of upcoming electoral contests, as the Matua vote bank holds significant sway in the state's northern districts. The CM reiterated that the move is part of a broader effort to provide social security and integration for marginalized groups in West Bengal.
No specific implementation schedule or budget allocation was disclosed, but officials indicated that a dedicated task force will monitor progress and report periodically to the chief minister's office.
The Matua community, largely comprising refugees from Bangladesh, has been seeking regularisation of their citizenship status under the CAA. Banerjee said the government will coordinate with the central authorities to expedite the verification and documentation process, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their certificates within the stipulated timeline.
Political analysts note that the promise comes ahead of upcoming electoral contests, as the Matua vote bank holds significant sway in the state's northern districts. The CM reiterated that the move is part of a broader effort to provide social security and integration for marginalized groups in West Bengal.
No specific implementation schedule or budget allocation was disclosed, but officials indicated that a dedicated task force will monitor progress and report periodically to the chief minister's office.