Maharashtra: Maharashtra has temporarily halted exemptions for delayed birth and death registrations following complaints from Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya, who alleged irregularities in birth certificate issuance in certain districts.
On Saturday, March 1, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi took to X to criticise the move, highlighting how families—especially those with children born during the COVID-19 pandemic—are now struggling to obtain certificates.
Asaduddin Owaisi Flags Maharashtra's Halt On Birth Certificates
Sharing the state government's official notice, Owaisi wrote on X, "The Government of Maharashtra has prohibited issuing birth and death certificates indefinitely since January 21, causing significant hardship to thousands of children born during or post-COVID. Many kids from poor families, especially in Malegaon, weren't registered due to lack of legal knowledge, illiteracy, or financial constraints."
"Consequently, they can't secure school admissions. @mieknathshinde @Dev_Fadnavis, please lift the ban or exempt birth certificate issuance for primary school admissions. The right to education, a fundamental right, shouldn't be denied to poor children in Malegaon and elsewhere due to delayed administrative processes," he added.
Maharashtra's Process for Delayed Birth Certificates
In Maharashtra, birth certificates issued more than a year after birth are classified as delayed applications. Somaiya raised concerns over alleged irregularities, claiming that between January 2021 and December 2023, Akola’s court processed only 269 delayed birth certificates, while the tehsildar approved a staggering 4,849 such cases. Similar discrepancies were highlighted in other districts, with 11,864 delayed applications reportedly registered in Yavatmal and 4,350 in Nagpur.
Previously, the Birth and Death Registration Act of 1969 was amended to empower District Magistrates and Sub-Divisional Officers to approve delayed registrations, but the process is now paused amid allegations of malpractice.
