Kerala Cabinet approves Nativity Card Bill for state services
Kerala's Nativity Card Bill aims to provide authoritative document for state services.
The Kerala State Cabinet has approved the Kerala Nativity Card Bill, empowering the government to issue Nativity Cards. These cards will serve as authoritative documents for accessing state services and fulfilling social requirements. Modelled after the existing Nativity Certificate, the card will certify a person as a Keralite.
A 'native' is defined as someone born in Kerala who hasn't accepted foreign citizenship, or someone with a Kerala-born ancestor who hasn't relinquished Indian citizenship. Individuals who have relinquished citizenship are ineligible. Applications for the card must be submitted to the concerned tahsildar.
The bill is expected to be introduced in the Assembly on February 23.
Key Facts
The Kerala Cabinet approved the Kerala Nativity Card Bill.
The Nativity Card will serve as an authoritative document for accessing state services.
The card is modelled on the existing Nativity Certificate.
A 'native' is defined as someone born in Kerala who hasn't accepted foreign citizenship.
A 'native' is also someone with a Kerala-born ancestor who hasn't relinquished Indian citizenship.
Individuals who have relinquished citizenship will not be eligible for the card.
The Bill is likely to be introduced on February 23.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
The bill relates to the concept of domicile and state's power to define eligibility criteria for accessing state services.
Statement-based MCQs testing understanding of constitutional provisions related to discrimination and state's power to legislate on domicile.
In Simple Words
Kerala is creating a 'Nativity Card' to prove you're a Keralite. It's like an official ID showing you belong to Kerala. This card helps you access government services easily.
India Angle
In India, proving where you're from can be tricky. This card simplifies things for Keralites when they need to show they're from Kerala for jobs, benefits, or other official purposes.
For Instance
Think of it like a school ID card. It proves you're a student of that school and allows you to use the library or get discounts. This card proves you're a Keralite for state services.
This card makes it easier for Keralites to get the services they're entitled to. It reduces paperwork and hassle.
Kerala's Nativity Card: Your official 'I'm a Keralite' pass.
Visual Insights
Kerala Nativity Card - Key Highlights
Key aspects of the Kerala Nativity Card Bill
- Bill Introduction Date
- February 23
Important for tracking legislative developments in Polity & Governance.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of domicile and residency requirements across India, particularly in the context of employment and education. Several states have introduced or amended laws to prioritize local residents for government jobs and admissions to educational institutions. This has led to debates about the balance between protecting the interests of local populations and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
The central government has also been considering measures to address the issue of domicile and residency, especially in the context of centrally funded institutions and employment opportunities. However, no comprehensive national policy on domicile has been formulated so far, leaving it to individual states to define and implement their own rules. The Kerala Nativity Card Bill can be seen as part of this broader trend of states seeking to define and regulate access to state services based on nativity or domicile.
Looking ahead, it is likely that the issue of domicile and residency will continue to be debated and litigated in India. The courts will likely play a crucial role in interpreting the constitutional validity of state laws and policies that prioritize local residents. The Kerala Nativity Card Bill, once enacted, may also face legal challenges if it is perceived to be discriminatory or violative of fundamental rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main purpose of the Kerala Nativity Card Bill?
The Kerala Nativity Card Bill aims to provide an authoritative document, the Nativity Card, for accessing state government services and fulfilling social requirements in Kerala. It essentially certifies a person as a Keralite, making it easier to prove nativity for various purposes.
2. According to the Kerala Nativity Card Bill, who is considered a 'native' of Kerala?
As per the bill, a 'native' is defined as someone born in Kerala who hasn't accepted foreign citizenship. It also includes someone with a Kerala-born ancestor who hasn't relinquished Indian citizenship. Individuals who have given up their Indian citizenship are not eligible.
3. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Kerala Nativity Card Bill for common citizens?
The Nativity Card could streamline access to state services and benefits, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for eligible individuals. However, potential drawbacks include the risk of exclusion for those who cannot easily prove their nativity and concerns about potential misuse or discrimination based on nativity.
4. What is the role of the Tahsildar in the Kerala Nativity Card Bill process?
The concerned Tahsildar is the designated authority to receive and process applications for the Nativity Card. The Tahsildar will likely be responsible for verifying the applicant's documents and determining their eligibility based on the criteria defined in the bill.
5. Why is the Kerala Nativity Card Bill in the news recently?
The Kerala Nativity Card Bill is in the news because the Kerala State Cabinet has recently approved it, paving the way for its introduction in the Assembly. The bill is expected to be presented in the Assembly on February 23.
6. How does the Kerala Nativity Card Bill relate to the broader concept of domicile in India?
The Kerala Nativity Card Bill is similar to domicile rules in other states, as it aims to define who is considered a 'native' for accessing state-specific benefits. There is no uniform definition of domicile across India, and each state defines it based on its own criteria. This bill is Kerala's attempt to formalize its own definition and process.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Kerala Nativity Card Bill, 2024: 1. The bill empowers the state government to issue Nativity Cards, which will serve as authoritative documents for accessing state services. 2. A 'native' is defined as someone born in Kerala who hasn't accepted foreign citizenship, or someone with a Kerala-born ancestor who hasn't relinquished Indian citizenship. 3. Individuals who have relinquished Indian citizenship are eligible to apply for the Nativity Card. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Kerala Nativity Card Bill empowers the government to issue Nativity Cards for accessing state services. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The bill defines a 'native' as someone born in Kerala who hasn't accepted foreign citizenship, or someone with a Kerala-born ancestor who hasn't relinquished Indian citizenship. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Individuals who have relinquished citizenship are ineligible, as explicitly mentioned in the summary.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Kerala Nativity Card Bill? A) Applications for the Nativity Card must be submitted to the concerned tahsildar. B) The bill is modelled after the existing Nativity Certificate. C) The bill is expected to be introduced in the Assembly on February 23. D) The Nativity Card can be used to access services provided by the Central Government.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: D
Options A, B, and C are correct as per the information provided. Option D is incorrect because the Nativity Card is intended for accessing state services, not services provided by the Central Government. The summary explicitly states that the card will be used for accessing state services.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the constitutional provisions related to domicile and discrimination: 1. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. 2. The Constitution explicitly defines the term 'domicile' and provides a uniform framework for its application across all states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Constitution does not explicitly define the term 'domicile' or provide a uniform framework for its application. Each state is free to define it as per its own criteria.