The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, which governs the regulation and registration of births and deaths in India, has been amended by the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023. This amendment reflects the government's commitment to modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of the registration process.
Key Features of the Amendment Act:
National Database of Births and Deaths: The Act mandates the Registrar-General, India to maintain a national database for registered births and deaths. State-level Chief Registrars and local area Registrars are required to contribute data to this national database, and a similar state-level database will also be maintained.
Electronic Certificates: The amendment transitions from issuing extracts to providing electronic or physical birth and death certificates, facilitating easier access and verification.
Aadhaar Details Requirement: For the registration of births, the amendment requires the inclusion of Aadhaar numbers of the parents and the informant in specific scenarios, including births in jails, hotels, non-institutional adoptions, surrogacy, and for single parents or unwed mothers.
Database Connectivity: The national birth and death database can be linked with other national databases like the population register, electoral rolls, ration cards, and others as notified, subject to central government approval. State databases can similarly be connected to other state-level databases with state government approval.
Use of Birth Certificate: Birth and death certificates, especially for those born after the enactment of this amendment, are essential for various purposes including education, voter list preparation, government appointments, and other central government-specified purposes.
Appeal Process: The Act introduces an appeal process for grievances related to the actions or orders of the Registrar or District Registrar, with specified timelines for making an appeal and receiving a decision.
This amendment significantly enhances the legal framework surrounding the registration of births and deaths in India, aligning it with contemporary needs and technological advancements.
