bengal-revamps-birth-death-certificate-issuance

In a significant administrative overhaul, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced sweeping changes to the process of issuing birth and death certificates across the state, aiming to enhance transparency and streamline public service delivery. Under the revised framework, Panchayat Pradhans and municipal chairpersons or executive officers will no longer be responsible for maintaining birth and death registers. Instead, the District Magistrate of each district will now function as the designated ‘District Registrar’ for all such records, ensuring tighter administrative control and improved coordination at the district level.

 

In a statement shared on social media, the chief minister said that institutional mechanisms within the healthcare system are also being strengthened. Block Medical Officers of Health (BMOH), superintendents of rural hospitals, and heads of medical colleges will serve as ‘Registrars’ for all births and deaths occurring within their respective facilities.

 

The announcement comes alongside a broader push to restructure administrative and financial authority at the grassroots level. A bill is set to be introduced in the State Assembly on Saturday to transfer financial powers from Panchayat Pradhans to administrative officials. Notably, just a day prior to this legislative move, the government issued the directive removing Pradhans’ authority to issue birth and death certificates.

 

 

The reforms follow recent findings by the state administration that revealed multiple instances of forged birth and death certificates during verification drives, particularly in border districts. The discovery triggered heightened scrutiny and prompted amendments to existing laws.

 

Officials said the ongoing verification and inspection campaign aims to ensure that all procedures related to the registration of births and deaths are conducted strictly in accordance with legal provisions. Document checks are being carried out across municipalities as well as Gram Panchayats.

 

Investigators are examining records for any signs of procedural lapses, fraudulent activity, or concealment of information. Authorities believe that the revised system, coupled with stricter oversight, will help curb malpractice and restore public confidence in the certification process.