Three months in prison for false information; nativity card only for government services, not related to citizenship

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Providing false information to obtain a nativity card, which is an official document proving that you were born in Kerala, can lead to a three-month imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 5,000, or both. The bill states that the nativity card is an authentic document for government services and social purposes. It has nothing to do with citizenship.

The courts can only take up cases on the basis of a written complaint filed by an authorised officer of the government. The ''Kerala nativity card act'' bill, which will be introduced in the assembly on Tuesday, states that no prosecution or legal action will be taken against officers or persons in authority for acts done in good faith without the prior permission of the government.

The government may issue a notification stating that the nativity card can be used as an official document for any purpose of the public. Officials of departments and local bodies shall accept the nativity card as an official document accordingly. The government may remove the provisions of the law by issuing an order. The orders shall be submitted to the Legislative Assembly later. Such orders shall not be issued after two years of the coming into force of the law. The bill also states that rules may be made with retrospective effect for the nativity card law.

Those born in Kerala and not taking foreign citizenship or those whose ancestors were born in Kerala and not taking foreign citizenship will be considered natives. Those who have taken foreign citizenship are not eligible for a nativity card. If they take foreign citizenship after getting a nativity card, the card will become invalid.

Citizenship cannot be proven

1. Although Minister K Rajan had announced that it would be a document that would prove citizenship, this is not mentioned in the bill.

2. Citizenship is completely under the jurisdiction of the Center.

Parliament is responsible for making laws.

The Union Home Ministry is responsible for deciding on citizenship documents. Birth certificate, SSLC book, parents' passports and marriage certificates are accepted as identity documents for obtaining citizenship. Even Aadhaar is not accepted as a citizenship document.

Silence on the cost

Even if one card is priced at Rs 50, it will cost Rs 100 crore to provide it to two crore people. The bill states that there will be no additional expenditure from the Consolidated Fund. Prior approval of the Governor should be sought for bills that involve financial liability.