Former Minister Urges Withdrawal of Kerala's Nativity Card Bill
Thiruvananthapuram: Former minister K C Joseph has called upon the Kerala state government to immediately withdraw the proposed Nativity Card Bill, issuing a stern warning that this legislative move could potentially trigger severe long-term consequences for residents and non-resident Keralites alike. In a strongly worded public statement, Joseph launched a scathing critique of the cabinet's decision to grant formal legal validity to the nativity card, asserting that this critical policy shift was undertaken without sufficient deliberation, foresight, or comprehensive stakeholder consultation.
Questioning Constitutional Validity and Historical Parallels
Joseph emphasized that Kerala remains an integral state within the Indian Union and is not an independent sovereign nation, urging the government to keep this fundamental constitutional reality firmly in mind while framing such contentious legislation. He drew a provocative historical parallel, comparing the current proposal to Sir CP's argument for an independent Travancore, suggesting it echoes separatist undertones that could undermine national unity.
Accelerated Legislative Process Raises Alarms
According to official reports, the government plans to introduce the Nativity Card Bill in the legislative assembly on February 24, refer it to a subject committee on the very same day, and pass it into law the following day. Joseph alleged that this proposed accelerated schedule leaves virtually no scope for detailed parliamentary discussion, thorough scrutiny, or meaningful democratic debate, thereby bypassing essential legislative safeguards.
Redundancy and Practical Utility Under Scrutiny
The former minister pointedly questioned the necessity of introducing a separate nativity card when Kerala residents already possess multiple nationally recognized identity documents, including:
- Aadhaar card
- Electoral ID (Voter ID)
- PAN card
- Passport
- Driving licence
Joseph demanded that the government must clearly articulate and justify the specific, tangible benefits that the nativity card would offer beyond these existing identification systems. He maintained that most residents already possess Aadhaar or electoral ID cards, arguing that the nativity card would have limited practical utility confined primarily to state-level administrative matters.
Wider Implications for Non-Resident Keralites
Joseph expressed profound concern that this move could establish a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications if other Indian states adopt similar restrictive measures. He highlighted that with ongoing discussions at the national level regarding stricter citizenship documentation requirements, the nativity card could indirectly support and legitimize such exclusionary initiatives. If states begin restricting employment opportunities, educational admissions, and other essential services exclusively to those holding nativity cards, Keralites living outside Kerala could face significant difficulties and discrimination.
Citing demographic estimates, Joseph noted that approximately 50 lakh Keralites live outside the state, including about 30 lakh in the Gulf countries and substantial populations in various Indian states and abroad. He warned that the proposed card could prove severely detrimental to their interests, potentially creating bureaucratic hurdles and marginalizing this large diaspora community.
Timing and Mandate Criticized
Joseph further alleged that introducing such a consequential bill just before the end of the government's current term was both inappropriate and beyond its electoral mandate, representing a hasty attempt to push through controversial legislation without proper democratic accountability. He urged the state government to demonstrate wisdom and responsibility by reconsidering this proposal and formally withdrawing the legislation to prevent potential harm to Kerala's social fabric and its people's constitutional rights.
