A recent amendment in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 2023 has brought about a significant development. This change allows individuals born on or after its commencement to explore new possibilities. Their birth certificate can now be used as a single document for various purposes, making life more convenient and efficient. Let's take a closer look at the details of this groundbreaking amendment, which will be effective from October 1.
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One of the main advantages of this amended law is its impact on education. With the birth certificate now serving as a reliable proof of date and place of birth, the admission process into educational institutes becomes simpler.
Acquiring a driving license has never been easier. The inclusion of your birth certificate as a recognized document in the application procedure guarantees a more convenient journey for prospective drivers.
Obtaining an Aadhaar Card has now become a stress-free experience. Armed with your birth certificate, you can confidently navigate through the application process and relish in the advantages of Aadhaar-based services.
The amended law also extends its advantages to passport applications. Your birth certificate is now an acceptable document for verifying your date and place of birth, simplifying the passport issuance process.
For couples planning to get married, this amendment streamlines the process of registering their marriage. Instead of providing separate proof of their date and place of birth, they can now use their birth certificate for this requirement.
In terms of government appointments, whether at the central or state government, local bodies, public sector undertakings, or any statutory or autonomous body under the government, individuals can use their birth certificate to verify their date and place of birth, which will assist in the appointment process.
Furthermore, this amendment facilitates the establishment of a comprehensive database at both national and state levels. This database will include registered births and deaths, and it will greatly contribute to the improvement of efficiency and transparency in the delivery of public services and the distribution of social benefits. Additionally, it will promote the adoption of digital registration methods.
The legislation introduces provisions for electronic delivery of certificates of births and deaths. This move is aimed at benefiting the public by streamlining the process and creating a more accessible database of registered events.
To make things more convenient for the public and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, individuals can now use their birth certificate as the main evidence of their date and place of birth when applying for a passport, Aadhaar number, or other important documents.
Simplified Authorities for Registration
Under this amendment, the responsibility of registering delayed births or deaths will be shifted from magistrates to district magistrates, sub-divisional magistrates, or executive magistrates who have been authorized by the district magistrate. This change aims to speed up the registration process.
This legislation also addresses the registration process for various categories, including adopted, orphaned, abandoned, surrendered, surrogate children, as well as children with single parents or unwed mothers. It mandates medical institutions to provide a certificate stating the cause of death to the registrar, while also giving a copy to the closest relative.
During times of disasters or epidemics, the law permits the appointment of specialized individuals known as 'sub-registrars' to speed up the registration of deaths. Additionally, they are also authorized to collect the Aadhaar numbers of parents and informants if available.
To ensure accountability and rectify concerns, the amendment strengthens the penalties stated in the Act and establishes mechanisms to handle complaints that arise from the actions or orders of registrars or district registrars.
To summarize, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, represents a significant advancement towards a more efficient and citizen-oriented administrative system. By using birth certificates as a unified document for various purposes, the government aims to streamline processes, establish comprehensive databases, and embrace digitalization while adapting to the changing needs of society and technology. This amendment is in line with the progress of the times and holds the promise of a brighter and more accessible future for all