Kerala Cabinet Approves Nativity Card Bill for Official State Identity

Category : State Published on: February 23 2026

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The Kerala Legislative Assembly is set to consider the Kerala Nativity Card Bill, recently approved by the State Cabinet, to introduce Nativity Cards as an official identity document for availing State government services. The card is modelled on the existing nativity certificate and will certify an individual as a native of Kerala.
Under the Bill, a ‘native’ is defined as a person born in Kerala who has not accepted foreign citizenship, including those with Kerala-born ancestors who retain Indian citizenship. Individuals who relinquish Indian citizenship will be ineligible, and existing cards will become void upon such relinquishment.
The legislation also covers members of the Kerala diaspora born outside the State to Keralite parents. Applications will be submitted to the Tahsildar, with records maintained at village offices. Citizenship matters remain governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955.