The West Bengal government has decided to revoke the power of political heads in urban and rural civic bodies to issue birth and death certificates. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal announced this change, stating that only government officials will now have the authorization to provide these certificates. Agarwal emphasized the significance of birth certificates and highlighted the increasing number of complaints about fraudulent certificates, particularly during recent revision exercises and state elections.
Strict measures will be implemented against any officials found responsible for issuing fake birth and death certificates. Agarwal disclosed plans to verify all certificates issued since 1997 to establish a comprehensive database linked to a central portal. He assured that a thorough door-to-door survey will be conducted, offering hearings to individuals without certificates and canceling any illegal ones. The government aims to ensure the verification process is conducted solely by government officials, eliminating the involvement of contractual workers.
Amid ongoing raids and search operations by the state police to dismantle networks producing counterfeit birth and death certificates, Agarwal’s announcement aligns with efforts to combat fraudulent activities. These operations are currently underway in various locations across West Bengal, including Suri, Rampurhat, Dubrajpur, Cooch Behar town, and the industrial township in West Burdwan district.
