NPR update: Kerala government issues fresh order against implementation amid census preparations

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has issued a fresh order clarifying that the National Population Register (NPR) will not be implemented in the state under any circumstances as part of the upcoming national census.

Kerala had initially directed in 2019 that all activities related to the NPR be halted, and the state would not conduct the register alongside the census. The LDF government has consistently maintained this stance.

With the nationwide census delayed due to the pandemic, speculation had grown that the NPR might be conducted alongside the census when preparations resume. In response, the Kerala government’s latest order reaffirms that the NPR will remain suspended in the state.

The official order emphasises that all NPR-related operations in Kerala have been on hold since December 20, 2019, underlining the state’s firm opposition to the register.

Kerala was also the first state assembly to pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and had filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the CAA’s constitutionality. The new order aligns with the state’s consistent policy on national citizenship and population tracking measures.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the NPR and census as “normal administrative activities” in the Rajya Sabha. He accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation and creating obstacles due to “vote bank politics.” Addressing the same debate, the Prime Minister also criticised the Congress and other opposition parties for opposing the CAA, calling such actions opportunistic and unhelpful for the nation.

Members of several opposition parties staged a walkout before the House adopted the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address.

ANI