Kerala govt to roll out Nativity Card; chip, hologram to be included

The Kerala government has issued an order approving the introduction of a Nativity Card, to be issued based on the existing nativity certificate system in the state. According to the Revenue Department, the card has been designed with the provision to incorporate advanced security features, such as a chip and hologram, in the future.

The Nativity Card aims to foster a sense of identity and pride in being both an Indian citizen and a Keralite. While the current order does not grant statutory backing, the government plans to bring in specific legislation to give the card legal validity. Once enacted, the card will function as an authoritative document that can be used in place of the nativity certificate for all purposes, including state government services and other official and social requirements.

The initiative is expected to ease the difficulties faced by citizens who are currently required to obtain nativity certificates repeatedly for different purposes. By consolidating proof of nativity into a single, durable identity card, the government hopes to streamline administrative procedures and improve access to public services. The Tahsildar will be the issuing authority for the Nativity Card.

The Land Revenue Commissioner is entrusted with the responsibility of submitting a draft law to grant legal validity to the card and of preparing the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) required for this purpose.

What is a nativity certificate?
A nativity certificate is a document issued by a state government certifying that a person is a native of that state by birth and upbringing. In Kerala, it essentially confirms that an individual is a Keralite by birth and is used to establish eligibility for benefits and rights restricted to state natives. However, the existing nativity certificate does not have statutory backing under any central or state law.

Who is eligible?
Since a birth certificate can be used in place of a nativity certificate, the latter is generally issued only to those who do not possess a birth certificate. People who have roots in Kerala but were born outside the state are also eligible, subject to specific conditions. Nativity certificates are issued when both parents were born and brought up in Kerala, or when one parent is a native of Kerala and the other of another Indian state, provided both became permanent residents of Kerala after marriage.

For persons born in Kerala, submission of a birth certificate or proof of having studied for at least five years in an educational institution in the state, along with an affidavit, is considered sufficient, and a Village Officer’s certificate is not required. However, for those born outside Kerala, certification from the Village Officer is mandatory.

A nativity certificate typically contains details such as the applicant’s name, place of birth and parents’ names. It is issued by the Tahsildar or Village Officer based on supporting documents, including birth and residence records. As the certificate is currently issued in paper form, it does not carry the applicant’s photograph.