The Pune Municipal Corporation is spearheading a digital transformation in the city by announcing the integration of Marriage Registration Certificates into the central government’s ‘Digi Locker’ app. This innovative move is set to simplify the process of handling marriage certificates for various legal purposes, marking a significant leap forward in the way Pune residents manage their marital status.
A Digital Revolution for Marriage Certificates Historically, individuals needing to verify their marital status for tasks like property acquisition, opening bank accounts, securing loans, or claiming inheritances have had to rely on physical copies of their marriage certificates. However, this age-old practice is on the cusp of transformation, thanks to the forward-thinking approach of the Pune Municipal Corporation.
The process of incorporating Marriage Registration Certificates into ‘Digi Locker’ is currently in the testing phase, and it is anticipated that certificates dating back to 2008 will be accessible in ‘Digi Locker’ within the next month. This move promises convenience and security, as well as reducing the need for physical documents.
The Legal Significance of Marriage Certificates Marriage registration certificates are of paramount importance in India as they are essential for legally validating marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act. These certificates not only confer legal recognition on the marriage but also establish the legal rights and responsibilities of the married individuals. In 2006, the Supreme Court of India mandated that women must possess a marriage certificate to fully access their legal rights.
Since 2008, marriages in Pune have been registered online through the Pune Municipal Corporation’s 15 zonal offices. The certificate issuance is obligatory within 15 days following the submission of necessary documents, fees from both the bride and groom, and the approval of the Ward Medical Officer.
Modernization for the People The Pune Municipal Corporation’s decision to integrate marriage registration certificates into ‘Digi Locker’ is a reflection of its ongoing commitment to modernizing services and enhancing convenience for the city’s residents. ‘Digi Locker’ already stores essential documents like Aadhaar, PAN cards, driver’s licenses, academic certificates, and tax records, serving as a comprehensive digital repository for vital personal documents. With marriage registration certificates joining this digital repository, citizens will no longer need to carry physical copies, as they can securely access them via the app.
Since 2008, the Pune Municipal Corporation has made significant strides in digitizing records, with roughly 10 thousand marriages registered annually. The process of synchronizing this wealth of data with ‘Digi Locker’ is underway, and it is expected to be accessible to citizens in the coming month.
A Path to Convenience and Efficiency The Pune Municipal Corporation’s forward-thinking initiative promises to simplify the lives of its residents by eliminating the need for physical marriage registration certificates. With ‘Digi Locker’ soon to provide access to these certificates, Pune is leading the way in creating a more convenient and efficient future for its citizens.
Rahul Jagtap, Head of the Computer Department at PMC, stated, “Municipal Corporation has started work to make marriage registration certificates available in Digi Locker. This service will be available next month. It will have certificates from 2008 onwards. PMC is the first municipality in the country to make marriage registration certificates available in Digi Locker.”
