Pinarayi says Kerala will now issue permanent nativity cards

“A person should be able to prove before anyone that he or she is born in the state or a permanent resident of the state. There should not be a situation in which persons are being pushed out. To prove a person’s identity, that person should have a valid and legal document in his possession. The state government is planning to introduce such a document,” he said.

He went on to say: “The cabinet has decided to give photo-affixed nativity cards instead of the nativity certificate. It should be a valid document which can be used for all purposes with regard to availing various services of the state government. This card will have legal sanctity also.”

He said the nativity certificate is a document issued to prove a person’s birth and residence in the state. At the same time, it has no legal backing.

“At present, a person has to obtain a nativity certificate every time it is required for availing various services or benefits. The permanent nativity card will address this issue,” Vijayan said.

The state’s revenue department has been tasked with preparing a legal draft to give legal sanctity to the card.

“The card will help a person to prove his identity and citizenship,” State Revenue Minister and CPI leader K Rajan said.

A legislation to give legal binding to the proposed nativity card will be introduced in the next session of the state Assembly. Once a person gets the nativity card, he or she can use it for a lifetime for various purposes. People need not apply for a nativity certificate every time. “This will help people to prove their citizenship,” he said.