Nativity Card for Kerala Residents; Cabinet Approves Bill

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Cabinet has approved the Kerala Nativity Card Bill, introducing a new identification document to certify a person’s nativity and residency in the state. The move is part of measures aimed at addressing contemporary concerns related to citizenship checks, including the Citizenship Amendment laws proposed by the Union Government and the revision of voter lists based on SIR.

The Nativity Card will be issued in the format of the existing nativity certificate currently provided by the State government to certify that a person is a native of Kerala. It will be recognised as an official document for availing various government services and for other social requirements within the state.

Under the Bill, a “native” is defined as a person born in Kerala who has not acquired foreign citizenship, or a person whose parents or ancestors were born in Kerala and have not taken foreign citizenship. Those who have acquired foreign citizenship will not be eligible for the card. If a person obtains foreign citizenship after receiving the Nativity Card, it will become invalid. Persons born outside Kerala due to the employment or livelihood of their parents or ancestors will also be treated as natives, provided they have not acquired foreign citizenship.

The Tahsildar will be the authorised officer to issue the card. A register of Nativity Cards will be maintained at the Village Office. Applicants must submit the prescribed form along with the required documents and fee before the Tahsildar. The government may include additional details in the card from time to time. It may also issue notifications specifying the situations in which the Nativity Card can be used as an official document along with other records for various departmental purposes.

The District Collector may, on application by an aggrieved person, review, modify or cancel any decision or order passed by the Revenue Divisional Officer. However, no such action can be taken without giving the person concerned a reasonable opportunity to be heard.