Kerala Nativity Card Bill Presented in the Legislature; Minister K. Rajan Calls it a Historic Law

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister K. Rajan introduced the Kerala Nativity Bill, seeking to address public concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed revision of the electoral roll based on SIR (Systematic Identification of Residents) by the central government. The minister stated that this is a historic law, and through the nativity card, one can take pride in being a Keralite. The bill has been referred to the subject committee.

The people are in fear after the central government introduced the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Unfortunately, the opposition, which should have united to include the Native Voter Card and suggest necessary amendments, has positioned itself in a one-sided manner, which history will record as pitiable. On the day when five important bills were presented in the legislature, the opposition’s objections seemed to be aimed at assisting the BJP, he added.

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.