Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has issued a definitive order stating that the National Population Register (NPR) will not be conducted in the state under any circumstances, reaffirming its long-standing stance on the issue. The announcement comes as India prepares for the next decennial census, amid speculations that NPR activities might be integrated with the census exercise.
The official notification, released by the General Administration (Protocol) Department, emphasized that all previous orders suspending NPR in Kerala since December 20, 2019, remain fully in effect. The suspension was originally imposed following public concerns over the amended Citizenship Act and the potential link between NPR and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The state government’s latest directive makes it clear that no NPR-related work will be undertaken, even in coordination with the census, which is a constitutional exercise mandated by the Centre.
Kerala’s firm position reflects the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s commitment to protect state autonomy and address citizens’ concerns regarding demographic documentation. Senior officials reiterated that while the NPR will not be implemented, the state will cooperate with the decennial census itself, distinguishing between routine census operations and the controversial NPR exercise. This distinction is crucial, given the sensitive debates surrounding citizenship documentation in India over the past several years.
The decision also has deep political roots. Kerala was one of the first states to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its allied policies, including NPR and NRC. The state government has repeatedly expressed its apprehensions about potential misuse of demographic data, especially against marginalized communities. Previous interventions in the Supreme Court highlighted Kerala’s stance that the NPR, if implemented without safeguards, could have constitutional and social ramifications.
The announcement has sparked discussions among political parties and civil society. Supporters of the government argue that Kerala’s refusal safeguards residents’ rights and prevents potential administrative overreach, while critics caution that non-participation in NPR could create gaps in demographic planning and affect the distribution of welfare schemes. However, the government has maintained that its directive is carefully framed to protect citizens without hindering the conduct of the national census.
With this order, Kerala has once again positioned itself at the forefront of the nationwide debate on NPR, emphasizing that citizens’ rights, constitutional safeguards, and state autonomy will take precedence over central directives in sensitive matters of identity and documentation.