Maharashtra Minister Bawankule launches state-wide drive against birth certificate fraud

The circular states that all birth and death registration orders issued by Nayab Tehsildars after the August 11, 2023 amendment must be withdrawn.

Certificates made only on the basis of Aadhaar must also be marked “defective” and cancelled.

Officials have been told to file FIRs if the date of birth given by an applicant does not match the Aadhaar details, and to declare as absconding those who do not return their fake certificates or cannot be found.

To focus the investigation, the state has listed 14 places where such frauds have been reported in large numbers: Amravati, Akola, Sillod, Sambhajinagar city, Latur, Anjangaon Surji, Achalpur, Pusad, Parbhani, Beed, Gevrai, Jalna, Ardhapur and Parli. Special verification camps will be held in these areas under the direct supervision of District Collectors and Divisional Commissioners, who must also send regular progress reports to the government.

Explaining the need for strict action, Bawankule said fake birth and death certificates were being used to cheat the system and cause serious problems. He said the government would follow a zero-tolerance policy and take firm action against those involved. According to him, the special drive will continue until all suspicious certificates issued after 2023 are examined and cancelled if found fake.