Kerala Government Issues Official Order to Block NPR Implementation
The Kerala state government has taken a definitive and firm stance by issuing an official administrative order to ensure that the National Population Register (NPR) will not be implemented within the state under any circumstances. This directive is specifically linked to the upcoming national census activities, reinforcing the government's long-standing opposition to the NPR process.
Historical Context and Previous Actions
In 2019, the state government, led by the Left Democratic Front (LDF), had initially ordered a complete halt to all preparatory steps aimed at implementing the NPR alongside the census in Kerala. At that time, the LDF administration clearly stated that the NPR would not be rolled out in the state. However, the nationwide census process was subsequently postponed and not carried out due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted many governmental operations.
Current Developments and Government's Stance
With recent rumors and indications that the NPR may be conducted in conjunction with the census as the census process is set to resume across the country starting next year, the Kerala government has proactively issued this new order. The order serves to reaffirm and support the government's clear and unwavering stand against the NPR. It explicitly declares that all activities related to updating the NPR in Kerala have been suspended since December 20, 2019, and this suspension remains in full effect.
Broader Political and Legal Opposition
Kerala has been at the forefront of political resistance against certain central government initiatives. The state assembly made history by becoming the first legislative body in India to pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), highlighting its dissent on national policies. Furthermore, the Kerala government had previously filed a lawsuit against the central government in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the CAA. The issuance of this new order against the NPR is viewed as a continuation and extension of these established political and legal positions, demonstrating the state's consistent approach in opposing measures it deems contentious.
The state's firm stance underscores a significant chapter in the ongoing dialogue between state and central authorities regarding demographic and citizenship-related policies in India.
