Delay may make registrations of birth, deaths tough

NEW DELHI: People who fail to report births and deaths to authorities within two years may face a stricter registration process under a proposed amendment to the law governing civil registration.The Centre has proposed that births and deaths reported after two years can be registered only on the order of a first-class judicial magistrate, replacing the existing provision under which such cases can be approved by a district magistrate (DM), sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) or executive magistrate.The proposed amendment to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, piloted by the home ministry, was placed before the Cabinet Wednesday, TOI has learnt.People familiar with the proposal said the objective is to tighten delayed registration and ensure near real-time recording of births and deaths, crucial for policy planning and governance. It will also check misuse through greater scrutiny.Every birth and death must be registered with the local registrar within 21 days through the digital Civil Registration System (CRS). If reported after 30 days but within one year, registration is allowed only with the written permission of the district registrar or another designated authority, on payment of the prescribed fee and submission of a self-attested document.Under Section 13(3), delays beyond one year can currently be authorised by a district magistrate, SDM or executive magistrate with jurisdiction. The proposed amendment would retain this arrangement for delays of up to two years.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.