Kerala Cabinet Greenlights Nativity Card Bill and Key Infrastructure Projects
In a significant move, the Kerala state cabinet, during its meeting on Wednesday, gave its approval to the Kerala Nativity Card Bill. This legislation establishes a formal framework for issuing an official nativity card, which will serve as an authoritative document to certify an individual as a native of Kerala.
Details of the Kerala Nativity Card
The proposed card will be modeled on the existing nativity certificate system. It is designed to be recognized as a valid document for accessing various government services and for social purposes. According to the provisions of the Bill:
- A native is defined as a person born in Kerala who has not acquired foreign citizenship.
- It also includes individuals whose parent or ancestor was born in Kerala, provided they have not taken foreign citizenship.
- The card will not be issued to those who have acquired foreign citizenship. If a cardholder later obtains foreign citizenship, the card will become invalid.
- Persons born outside Kerala due to employment or livelihood-related reasons of their parents or ancestors will be treated as natives if they have not acquired foreign citizenship.
The issuance process will be managed by Tahsildars, who will receive applications submitted with a prescribed form, supporting documents, and a fee. A nativity card register will be maintained at the village office level. The government retains the right to include additional details on the card and specify the circumstances under which it can be used as an authoritative document alongside other records. Applicants will have the right to a review, with the collector empowered to modify or cancel orders passed by the revenue divisional officer after providing a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
New Fire Stations and Staffing
In a parallel decision aimed at enhancing public safety, the cabinet has approved the opening of new fire stations at four locations: Mavoor, Neriamangalam, Cheemeni, and Rajakkad.
- For the Mavoor station, 18 new posts will be created.
- For each of the other three stations (Neriamangalam, Cheemeni, and Rajakkad), the cabinet has sanctioned:
- Three Assistant Station Officer (ASTO) posts
- Three additional ASTO posts
- Four Senior Fire and Rescue Officer posts
- One Fire and Rescue Officer (Driver) post
The Fire and Rescue Services Department will redeploy existing personnel if additional posts are required beyond these new creations.
Creation of New Government Posts
The cabinet also addressed staffing needs in other sectors:
- 20 police constable driver posts have been approved to bolster the police force.
- At the Department of Forensic Science at Calicut University, two assistant professor posts will be created. This decision is based on recommendations from the university registrar and the state police chief.
Free Bamboo Supply for Artisans
In a move to support traditional artisans, the cabinet has sanctioned a free bamboo supply scheme. From November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2030, the Forest Department will supply up to 5,000 metric tonnes of bamboo annually to the Kerala State Bamboo Corporation at no cost.
The corporation will then distribute this bamboo to poor traditional bamboo workers, specifically for use in handicraft production. This initiative aims to sustain and promote local craftsmanship while providing economic support to marginalized communities.
These comprehensive decisions reflect the Kerala government's focus on administrative modernization, public safety infrastructure, employment generation, and support for traditional industries, marking a proactive step in state governance and welfare.
