Kerala Cabinet Approves Kerala Nativity Card Bill

Kerala Nativity Card to Serve as Official State Identity Document

The Kerala State Cabinet has cleared the Kerala Nativity Card Bill, paving the way for the issuance of Nativity Cards as a recognised identity document for accessing State government services. The proposed card is designed as a structured alternative to the Nativity Certificate, which traditionally establishes that an individual is a Keralite.

The Bill is scheduled to be introduced when the Kerala Legislative Assembly resumes its session on 23 February.

Definition of Nativity

Under the legislation, a ‘native’ is defined as a person born in Kerala who has not acquired foreign citizenship. The definition also extends to individuals with at least one Kerala-born ancestor who continues to retain Indian citizenship.

Eligibility is denied to those who have voluntarily relinquished Indian citizenship. Additionally, the Nativity Card will automatically lose validity if the holder subsequently renounces citizenship.

Inclusion of Kerala Diaspora

The Bill accommodates individuals born outside Kerala to Keralite parents who were residing beyond the State for employment or livelihood purposes. This provision ensures coverage of the Kerala diaspora while preserving citizenship-linked requirements.

Authorities clarified that the Nativity Card is intended strictly for administrative and social usage, not electoral processes.

Administrative Procedure

Applicants must submit requests to the concerned Tahsildar , designated as the approving authority. Record maintenance and verification processes will be handled at village offices to facilitate decentralised governance and documentation accuracy.

Policy Significance

The Nativity Card aims to standardise nativity identification, simplify service delivery, and reduce procedural inconsistencies across departments.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• Citizenship matters are governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• Nativity/domicile certificates are State-issued administrative documents.

• Tahsildar functions as a taluk-level revenue authority.

• Renunciation of Indian citizenship voids associated entitlements.

• Bill seeks to formalise nativity verification mechanisms.