Published on: April 4, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a decisive move to combat document forgery, Rajnandgaon District Collector Sanjay Agrawal has instructed all birth and death registrars and heads of institutions to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals or groups found guilty of creating or using fake birth certificates. The directive follows increasing concerns over misuse of government-issued documents for illegal benefits or identity manipulation.
Collector Agrawal emphasized that such acts not only undermine the integrity of official systems but also pose a serious threat to public trust and legal transparency. The instructions were issued under the framework of the Birth and Death Registration Act, 1969, amended in 2023, along with the Chhattisgarh Birth and Death Registration Rules, 2001.
Currently, birth and death registrations across Rajnandgaon—whether through municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, gram panchayats, or government hospitals—are conducted via the national portal managed by the Office of the Registrar General of India: dc.crsorgi.gov.in.
To counter rising cases of forged certificates, officials and the public are urged to verify the authenticity of documents using the QR code embedded in each certificate. This tech-driven step allows quick validation and prevents the misuse of fake credentials.
Authorities have noted instances where fraudsters manipulate registration data or produce forged documents to claim government benefits, school admissions, or even employment. These activities, officials warn, are often operated by organized rackets rather than lone individuals.
The district administration’s firm approach aims to set a precedent across the state, ensuring that government documents retain their legitimacy and that those involved in such malpractices face strict legal consequences.
Local officials have also been instructed to raise awareness among citizens about verifying certificates and reporting suspicious activities. By doing so, the administration hopes to strengthen transparency and promote responsible civic engagement.
This initiative highlights a broader trend of digitization, accountability, and vigilance across public service mechanisms in Chhattisgarh—ensuring that technological advancements are paired with strong enforcement against misuse.
