Are births, deaths being properly registered? Pg8

Key Highlights

1. March 17 Circular – Registrar General of India (RGI)

• RGI warned private and government hospitals to report births and deaths within 21 days.
• Found that around 10% of events were still unregistered, despite mandates under the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969 (amended 2023).
• Non-compliance is now punishable with fines up to ₹1,000 (from earlier ₹50).

2. Mandate under RBD Act

• Amended in 2023: Registration of all births and deaths made mandatory.
• Digital birth certificates became the sole proof of birth from October 1, 2023 — essential for admission, jobs, government schemes, etc.
• Under Civil Registration System (CRS), private hospitals are now entrusted with registrar duties.

Systemic Challenges & Gaps

1. Flawed Institutional Practice

• Some private hospitals delay reporting, approaching relatives only after discharge or death.
• RGI criticized lack of citizen-friendly practices, delayed certificates, and weak grievance redressal.

2. Delay in Vital Statistics Report

• The national report (2020 onward) hasn’t been published — key for policy and public health analysis.
• Last published full report: 2020, with 2021–22 data available for select states only.

3. State-Wise Variations

• Only some states (e.g., Kerala, Mizoram) have updated data for 2023.
• In 2020, birth registration rate fell from 2.48 to 2.42 crore (–0.48%).
• States like Bihar, Assam, UP, and NE states lag in consistent reporting.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Accurate registration is critical for targeted welfare, planning, and ensuring legal identity.
• Private healthcare needs strict monitoring for compliance.
• Expedite publication of Vital Statistics of India Report to support evidence-based governance.
• Awareness and digital grievance platforms must be strengthened under CRS.

Mains Mock Question:

“Despite legislative amendments and digital systems, India continues to face challenges in the universal registration of births and deaths. Examine the causes and suggest reforms.”