New Legislative Landmark – The Kerala Nativity Card Bill, 2026 by Secretariat of the Kerala Legislature (Bill No. 299) on March 06, 2026

The Kerala Nativity Card Bill, 2026, aims to replace temporary nativity certificates with a permanent, legally recognized “Nativity Card.” Published in the Kerala Gazette on March 7, 2026, this authoritative document is designed to streamline access to government services and meet social requirements across the state. By transitioning to a statutory identification system, the government seeks to modernize bureaucratic processes and provide residents with a more stable and reliable proof of their status as Keralites.

The Bill defines a “native” as an individual born in Kerala who has not acquired foreign citizenship. This status is also extended to those born outside the state due to their parents’ employment, provided they have an ancestor born in Kerala and have not taken foreign citizenship. Notably, the global Malayali diaspora can utilize this to maintain legal links to their roots. However, the Nativity Card remains valid only as long as the holder does not acquire foreign citizenship, at which point it becomes immediately invalid.

Administratively, the Tahsildar of each respective area serves as the primary issuing authority, with the Village acting as the processing unit. Applicants must submit a prescribed form along with specific documents and a fee. Each Taluk office is required to maintain a permanent Register of Nativity Cards to ensure system integrity. Provisions are also included for modifying entries when information changes and for issuing duplicate cards in the event the original is lost, damaged, or destroyed. To ensure accountability and prevent fraud, the Bill establishes a two-tier redressal mechanism where applicants can appeal a rejection to the Revenue Divisional Officer and subsequently seek a revision from the District Collector. Strict safeguards are in place against misuse; providing false information to secure a card is punishable by up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine of five thousand rupees, or both. According to the Financial Memorandum, this legislative shift is expected to involve no additional expenditure from the State’s Consolidated Fund.