Kerala   

Pilot NoRK identity card scheme launched

MALAPPURAM: A pilot scheme to provide identity cards to expatriate Malayalis has been launched in Mankada in the district. The grama panchayats in Mankada will begin distribution of application forms from Wednesday.

Sheila Thomas, Secretary of the Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NORKA) wing of the State government, said here on Tuesday that all expatriate Malayalis would be given photo identity cards within a year. She was briefing the media after a review meeting of the project.

She said filled-in application forms should be submitted to respective panchayats. In the absence of NoRKs, their kin could submit applications. However, such applications needed to be endorsed by the respective ward members.

An applicant would have to remit Rs.200 for the identity card, which would be valid for three years. Those above 18 years of age and had worked abroad for more than six months would be eligible for the identity cards issued by the State government. Apart from a passport-size photo pasted on the application, an applicant should submit two stamp-size photos, copies of ration card and the visa-stamped page of the passport.

Ms. Thomas said that the State-level inauguration of the identity card distribution would be held in Malappuram. However, she did not specify a date.

She said the card-holders will get insurance coverage and several other benefits, including discounts on purchase of consumer products.

Ms. Thomas pointed out that Keralites working in other districts would also be given identity cards in the next phase of the project. NORKA Roots general manager S.M. Najeeb; Manjalamkuzhi Ali, MLA; District Collector M.C. Mohandas; district panchayat president Arimbra Mohammed; and representatives of different expatriate bodies took part in the review meeting.

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