Birth and Death Certificates Go Fully Digital in Chhattisgarh: In a major digital transformation, the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), New Delhi, has launched a revised online portal that makes the issuance of birth and death certificates completely online across Chhattisgarh. Effective from April 2023, all certificates are now generated digitally through this portal, making manual certificates obsolete.
This move aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and easy access to vital records for citizens across the state.
New Legal Provisions Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1969
The Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1969, was amended in 2023 to align with the digital transformation. According to the amendment:
- For children born after October 2023, the birth certificate will be the only valid document to prove the date of birth.
- For children born before October 2023, other official documents (such as school records, Aadhaar, or passports) will continue to be accepted as valid proof of birth date.
- For all births registered in the state after April 2023, only online birth certificates issued via the new portal will be legally valid.
This amendment ensures a single, reliable source for verifying date of birth, reducing the risk of document fraud or inconsistencies.
Digital Conversion of Older Certificates
In addition to new registrations, the updated system also allows for digital conversion of manually issued certificates. This feature helps preserve older records in secure digital format, making it easier for citizens to access or reissue certificates online.
QR Code Verification for Aadhaar Registration
It has been observed that in certain districts, Aadhaar cards are being issued only when the birth certificate contains a QR code. In response, the Chhattisgarh government has requested the Assistant Manager of UIDAI, Hyderabad, to release clear guidelines for all Aadhaar enrollment centers in the state to ensure uniform practices.
This step will help prevent confusion and ensure that all Aadhaar centers follow the same verification process.
Overcoming Initial Technical Glitches
When the new portal was launched in 2023, some technical challenges were reported in the early stages. However, these issues have now been successfully resolved by the Office of the Registrar General of India, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted service.
All Registrars of Births and Deaths in the state have been trained to use the new system efficiently. Furthermore, district-level workshops and regular training programs are being conducted to keep officials updated and ensure a seamless user experience for citizens.
Key Highlights of the Online Birth & Death Certificate System
- Mandatory online issuance for all new certificates from April 2023.
- Exclusive digital proof for date of birth from October 2023 onwards.
- QR code integration for authenticity and Aadhaar linkage.
- Digital preservation of previously issued manual certificates.
- Statewide training and support for smooth implementation.
The complete digitization of birth and death certificates in Chhattisgarh marks a significant milestone in India’s move toward paperless governance. Citizens can now access and verify essential records with ease, ensuring faster public services and improved administrative transparency.
This initiative not only simplifies document management but also establishes a secure and unified digital record system—a vital step toward Digital India.
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