Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
Why in News?
The Cabinet recently cleared the Kerala Nativity Card Bill.
Aim- It seeks to give legal backing to the nativity card initiative for issuing an authoritative identity proof to Keralites.
Nativity card - The State government plans to roll out the nativity cards as a new identification document to establish one’s identity as a Keralite.
The card is modelled on the nativity certificate currently issued by the State’s Revenue department.
However, the conditions for issuing nativity certificates have been stipulated only as per government order.
The nativity card that incorporates beneficiary photograph is conceived as an authoritative, legally valid, permanent identity proof that fosters a sense of pride in being both an Indian and a Keralite.
The government intends to issue the nativity cards to all people born in the State.
Eligibility- The Bill defines a ‘native’ as someone who was born in Kerala but has not accepted foreign citizenship or someone who has a Kerala-born ancestor who had not accepted foreign citizenship.
Individuals who have relinquished citizenship will not be eligible for the card.
If a person accepts foreign citizenship after receiving the card, the card will be null and void.
People born outside Kerala to parents or ancestors who were outside the State for work or livelihood-related reasons and who have not received foreign citizenship will also be considered a ‘native.’
Benefits -It will be used to access State government services, assistance, and other “social requirements,” and so can be used as a beneficiary identification document.
The nativity cards are pitched as a consolidated document that will replace the nativity certificates, which currently have to be obtained time and again whenever a requirement arises.
The Collector can review, modify, or cancel orders issued by the RDO after giving the applicant a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Timeline for issuing -The Bill proposes a punishment of up to 3 months or a fine up to Rs.5,000 or both if an applicant furnishes information that is false or believed to be false.
Once the Kerala Nativity Card Bill is passed by the Assembly, it will have to be signed by the Governor to become an Act.
