Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cabinet has approved the Kerala Native Card Bill. The Native Card will be issued based on the existing nativity certificate model currently provided by the state government to certify that a person is a Keralite. The card will be recognised as an authoritative document for accessing various government services and meeting social requirements.
 

Who qualifies as a native?

Under the proposed legislation, a “native” is defined as a person born in Kerala who has not acquired foreign citizenship, or a person whose parent or ancestor was born in Kerala and has not taken foreign citizenship.

Those who have acquired foreign citizenship will not be eligible for the Native Card. If a cardholder later obtains foreign citizenship, the Native Card will become invalid.

Individuals born outside Kerala due to employment or livelihood-related reasons of their parents or ancestors will also be considered natives, provided they have not acquired foreign citizenship.
 

Who’s the issuing authority?

The Tahsildar will be the authorised officer to issue the Native Card. However, the law stipulates that the register pertaining to Native Cards shall be maintained at the Village Office.

Applicants seeking the card must submit their application before the Tahsildar in the prescribed format.
 

What’s the official use?

The government will issue notifications specifying the circumstances under which the Native Card may be used as an authoritative document, along with other records, for various official purposes.

Apart from existing details, the government may include additional information in the Native Card as notified from time to time.
 

How to apply

Any individual requiring a Native Card must submit a prescribed application form along with relevant documents and fees before the competent authority.

The District Collector will have the authority to review, modify or cancel any decision or order passed by the Revenue Divisional Officer. However, no such decision can be taken without providing the party concerned a reasonable opportunity to be heard, according to the government press release.