Changes made in more than 19 thousand birth certificates in Mumbai will be cancelled, why did the government take this decision?

The Maharashtra government has ordered the cancellation of 19,734 amendments (changes) made in birth certificates in Mumbai between 2024 and 2026. However, the government has clarified that the birth certificates will not be cancelled, but the original records will be restored by removing the changes made in them contrary to the rules.

In the instructions issued by the Health Services Commissionerate, Pune, the District Registrar of Mumbai and concerned officials have been ordered to investigate these cases and restore the original birth records. The government says a large number of amendments were made without following the procedure laid down under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 and Maharashtra Registration of Births and Deaths Rules, 2000.

Why was the decision taken

According to the Health Department, out of 19,734 cases, no supporting documents were provided in 16,528 cases, while in 3,206 cases the documents were found incomplete. For this reason, action has been initiated to repeal these amendments.

Kirit Somaiya had raised the issue

This matter came into discussion after it was raised by BJP leader and Maharashtra SIR chief Kirit Somaiya. Somaiya had alleged that some birth certificates were issued in the name of hospitals which do not exist. He had also claimed that identity documents could be obtained illegally by misusing fake birth certificates.

SIT is investigating

Considering the seriousness of the matter, investigation of some cases related to fake birth certificates in Mumbai has been handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch. Two former BMC health officials have also been accused of approving some birth registrations without proper verification.

Mayor Ritu Tawde had said after a review meeting in January this year that 267 fake birth certificates were issued to Bangladeshi citizens. The government has directed the concerned officials to investigate all the cases and take action as per law and submit the report to the Deputy Chief Registrar, Pune.