A Hassle Is Born – on Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023

Source– The post is based on the article “A Hassle Is Born” published in “The Times of India” on 9th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Polity

News– Recently, Parliament passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023.

What are the major provisions of the Bill?

The Bill provides for the birth certificate to be used as a required document for various purposes such as admission to educational institutions, inclusion in voter lists, and government employment.

The scope of applications is extensive, formidable, and unlimited. Acquiring the birth certificate will necessitate the use of Aadhaar numbers belonging to both the “parents and informant.”

What are issues with the Bill?

For economically disadvantaged sections and individuals with lack access to data resources, this will lead to exclusion.

The objective of establishing a more comprehensive database of recorded births and deaths is commendable. But, the Bill imposes new responsibilities on citizens.

Why does the civil registration system exhibit variations across different states?

This is primarily due to differences in governance mechanisms. Additionally, economic prosperity also contributes to significant disparities within states.

In Bihar, registrations have been reported to be below optimal levels even when births and deaths occur in healthcare facilities. Corruption is also prevalent.

In other regions as well, Civil Registration System (CRS) offices can be insufficiently distributed, inadequately staffed, and uncooperative.

What whould be done?

Government should improve the registration infrastructure significantly.

The doctrine of proportionality should be the guiding force. citizens should not be subjected to unnecessary difficulties and risks.