Kerala Cabinet Approves Nativity Card Bill

The Kerala State Cabinet has approved the Kerala Nativity Card Bill, empowering the government to issue Nativity Cards as an authoritative identity document for availing State services and fulfilling social requirements. The proposed card is modelled on the existing Nativity Certificate, which certifies that an individual is a Keralite.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the card will function as an official document for services provided by the State government. The Bill is expected to be introduced when the current session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly reconvenes on 23 February.

Definition of ‘Native’ Under the Bill

The Bill defines a ‘native’ as a person born in Kerala who has not accepted foreign citizenship. It also includes individuals with a Kerala-born ancestor who has not relinquished Indian citizenship.

Those who have voluntarily relinquished Indian citizenship will not be eligible for the Nativity Card. If a cardholder later gives up citizenship, the card will become null and void.

Coverage of Diaspora and Eligibility

The proposed legislation extends eligibility to persons born outside Kerala to Keralite parents who were living outside the State for livelihood or related reasons. This provision ensures inclusion of members of the Kerala diaspora while maintaining citizenship-based criteria.

The move had drawn public attention as it followed debates surrounding electoral roll revisions. However, the government has maintained that the card is intended solely for administrative and social purposes.

Application and Administrative Mechanism

Applicants seeking the Nativity Card must apply to the concerned Tahsildar. While the Tahsildar is designated as the sanctioning authority, registers relating to the cards will be maintained at village offices to ensure local record-keeping and verification.

Important Facts for Exams

• Citizenship in India is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• State governments issue nativity or domicile certificates for local administrative purposes.
• Tahsildar is a revenue officer responsible for land and administrative records at the taluk level.
• Relinquishment of Indian citizenship results in loss of related civic entitlements.

Administrative and Legal Implications

The Nativity Card is intended to streamline access to State services by providing a standardised identity document. If enacted, the legislation will formalise the criteria and procedures for establishing nativity status in Kerala, reinforcing administrative clarity while aligning with constitutional and citizenship provisions.