**Kerala to Introduce Permanent Nativity Card for Residents**
The Kerala Cabinet has approved the introduction of a permanent, photo-embedded Nativity Card, which will replace the current nativity certificate, as announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on individuals who are often required to repeatedly verify their identity, birth, or long-term residency in the state.
During a press conference, Vijayan expressed concern over the challenges faced by individuals struggling to prove their existence, stating, “No one should be thrown out. For this, a person must have an authentic document with legal backing.” He highlighted that while the nativity certificate confirms a person’s birth and long-term residence, it lacks statutory legal validity and must be obtained multiple times for various purposes. This has been a persistent issue raised by the public, with calls for a permanent solution.
The proposed Nativity Card will serve as a legally valid document, usable indefinitely for state government services and other social needs. Once implemented, it will also act as a beneficiary identification document for government schemes. The Cabinet has directed the Revenue Department to draft a law, in collaboration with the Law Department, to provide the necessary legal framework for the Nativity Card, which will then be presented to the Cabinet for approval. The responsibility for issuing these cards will fall to Tahsildars.
However, the announcement has sparked controversy, with the BJP criticizing the move as indicative of “dangerous separatist politics.” BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that the party plans to legally challenge the decision, arguing that the introduction of a special identity document for Kerala residents was not requested by any separatist organizations. He further accused the Chief Minister of instilling unnecessary fear among the public and suggested that the announcement was a distraction from the ruling front’s recent setbacks in local body elections.
In summary, the introduction of the Nativity Card represents a significant step towards simplifying the documentation process for residents of Kerala, while also igniting political debate regarding its implications.
**FAQ**
*What is the purpose of the new Nativity Card in Kerala?*
The Nativity Card aims to provide residents with a permanent, legally valid document to verify their identity, birth, and long-term residency in Kerala, replacing the current nativity certificate.
