The task of processing citizenship applications under the CAA will be undertaken by

Correct option is D

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 assigns multiple departments responsible for processing citizenship applications. This process involves collaboration among the Postal Department, Census Department, and Intelligence Bureau (IB) to ensure transparency, efficiency, and national security. The Postal Department handles preliminary application checks at the district level, while the Census Department oversees final decision-making through empowered committees headed by the Director (Census Operations). Simultaneously, the Intelligence Bureau conducts rigorous security checks to verify the applicants' backgrounds and prevent risks to national security. This multi-departmental mechanism reflects the complexity of implementing such a significant legislative change.
Information Booster:
· Postal Department: Handles initial screening of applications at the district level.
· Census Department: Supervises the empowered committees for final decision-making.
· Intelligence Bureau (IB): Conducts security verifications for all applicants.
· Empowered Committees: Led by the Director (Census Operations) in each state.
· District-Level Committees: Headed by the Superintendent of the Postal Department.
· Eligibility Proof: Applicants must provide evidence of religion, origin, and entry date into India.
· Relaxed Documentation: Applicants can use documents like Aadhaar, ration cards, or educational certificates.
· Objective: The CAA seeks to grant citizenship to specific religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
· Security Assurance: The IB ensures that only legitimate applicants are granted citizenship.
Additional Knowledge:

· Postal Department: The Postal Department plays a key role in managing and filtering citizenship applications. It handles logistical support and application collection at the district level. The Superintendent of Posts chairs district-level committees, ensuring smooth preliminary processing.
· Census Department: The Census Department is central to the final decision-making process. Empowered committees, led by the Director (Census Operations), evaluate the eligibility of applicants and coordinate with other departments to finalize decisions. These committees include representatives from the state government, IB, and the National Informatics Centre.
· Central Security (Intelligence Bureau - IB): The Intelligence Bureau conducts critical security checks to ensure national safety. It verifies the authenticity of applicants and ensures that individuals with potential risks, such as links to terrorism or illegal activities, are excluded from citizenship.