The Maharashtra government has announced a temporary halt on issuing birth and death certificates for applications submitted more than a year after the event, citing the need for a thorough review of the system. This decision comes in the wake of allegations that fraudulent documents were issued to suspected illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in parts of the state. The freeze is expected to last for at least six months, according to top revenue officials.
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has alleged widespread misuse of the system, claiming that over 4,300 suspected illegal immigrants in Malegaon, 4,500 in Amravati, and more than 15,000 in Akola obtained forged birth certificates. In response, the state home department has formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations, with a report anticipated after six months.
The issue has its roots in amendments made to central laws in 2023. Previously, delayed applications for birth and death certificates required judicial approval. The amendment shifted this authority to district collectors and sub-divisional officers, a change that is now under scrutiny following complaints of irregularities in its implementation. State officials have cited reports of the law being bypassed, particularly in districts like Malegaon and Amravati, where thousands of suspected fake certificates have reportedly been issued.
Data from all districts is being consolidated as part of the investigation. In Pune district alone, 2,470 delayed birth certificate applications and 1,488 delayed death certificate applications are under review. Shirur and Velhe talukas have reported the highest number of such cases, with Shirur accounting for 680 delayed birth registrations and Velhe leading in delayed death registrations.
Malegaon AIMIM MLA Mohammed Khaliq criticized the BJP for what he called an attempt to malign his constituency after the party's Lok Sabha election loss in the region. “If such cases occurred, what were the central and state home ministries, both managed by the BJP, doing to prevent illegal entries into India and Maharashtra?” he asked.
The ongoing scrutiny aims to ensure the integrity of the system, with officials emphasizing the need for a "hygiene check" to prevent further misuse.
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