Maharashtra Govt Imposes Stringent Verification For Birth And Death Certificates: See What’s Required?

The state government has tightened the process for issuing birth and death certificates for applications submitted more than a year after the event. This move comes in response to concerns about the alleged influx of undocumented Bangladeshis in certain parts of the state. The government has instructed local authorities to implement a stricter verification system for such applications, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report.

Authorities issuing birth and death certificates are now required to thoroughly check the supplementary documents submitted with the application. These documents may include proof of domicile, school-leaving certificates, PAN cards, and Aadhaar cards. In cases where multiple applications for birth or death certificates are received from the same family, the authorities must carefully examine the documents to ensure their authenticity.

If any documents are found to be fake or dubious, officials are instructed to immediately inform the local police station. If birth or death records are unavailable, the applicant will be required to publish an advertisement in local newspapers to validate the event. This step ensures that the information provided is legitimate and prevents fraudulent claims.

A government resolution issued by the state's public health department clarifies that a birth certificate cannot be issued based solely on documents like a school-leaving certificate, PAN card, or Aadhaar card. The birth date must be confirmed from hospital records, and proof of residence must be provided to establish the applicant's identity and location.

These measures aim to ensure the proper verification of birth and death certificates and address the growing concern over illegal immigration in the state. The state government hopes these steps will help maintain the integrity of the documentation process and prevent misuse of these important certificates.