In a significant technological leap, the Maharashtra Information Technology (IT) department is in discussions with the center’s civil registration system (CRS) to digitize and exchange birth and death data. This initiative aims to enable real-time integration of vital statistics, making birth and death certificates accessible to the public through the ‘Aaple Sarkar’ portal.
The forthcoming online service will feature a dedicated link on the portal, allowing citizens to effortlessly download their birth and death certificates. The first beneficiaries of this digitization endeavor will be urban local bodies, streamlining the process and enhancing public access to essential documentation.
According to officials, this move aligns with the mandates of the Maharashtra Right to Public Services (RTS) Act, requiring government departments to provide notices and services within stipulated timeframes. The RTS Act currently covers 438 services across 38 departments throughout the state. However, officials caution that the data integration process will extend into the next year, with completion expected by March 2024.
A state IT Department official revealed that ongoing efforts are being made to connect Aaple Sarkar data with CRS data. The ambitious goal is to make online birth and death certificate downloads possible for citizens by 2024. The intricate details needed to streamline this process are actively being worked upon.
Traditionally, citizens obtain birth and death certificates by visiting ward offices after a waiting period of two to three weeks, following registration by hospitals. The digital transformation will not only expedite this process but also align with the broader services available through the Aaple Sarkar Portal, including certificates for residence, income, and caste non-creamy layer.
As Maharashtra embraces this digital transition, citizens can anticipate a more seamless and convenient experience in obtaining essential documentation from the comfort of their homes.
