Archive · 20 Aug 2026
District Collectors Gain Citizenship Powers Across Eight Regions
The government has given some district collectors a new job.
They can now decide whether certain people may become Indian citizens.
This applies in six states and two Union Territories.
Tribal areas in Assam and Tripura are not included.
People must apply electronically and provide documents.
Collectors will check the documents and may conduct additional inquiries.
Applicants must appear in person and take an oath of allegiance.
If someone does not appear after being given reasonable opportunities, the application can be rejected.
The Union home ministry authorised district collectors in eight regions to grant citizenship through registration or naturalisation.
The order covers Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Tribal areas in Assam and Tripura are excluded from the new rules.
Collectors will replace Empowered Committees and Designated Officers as the authorities handling these applications.
Applicants must submit documents electronically, appear in person, complete inquiries, and take an oath of allegiance.
- Who
- The Union home ministry, district collectors, and applicants seeking Indian citizenship.
- What
- District collectors were authorised to receive, examine, and decide applications for citizenship by registration or naturalisation.
- When
- The Citizenship (Third Amendment) Rules 2026 were notified on Wednesday.
- Where
- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh; tribal areas in Assam and Tripura are excluded.
- Why
- To give district collectors direct authority to process citizenship applications and replace the previously authorised committees and officers.
- Legal change
- The government notified the Citizenship (Third Amendment) Rules 2026.
- Covered regions
- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- Excluded areas
- Tribal areas in Assam and Tripura.
- New competent authority
- District collectors will receive, scrutinise, and dispose of applications electronically.
- Applications covered
- Requests for citizenship through registration or naturalisation.
- Required applicant action
- Applicants must appear in person to subscribe to the application and take the oath of allegiance.
- Pending cases
- Applications pending with the previous committees or District Level Committees must be transferred to the relevant collector.