Paper: GS – I/II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Population and Associated Issues, Issue: Civil Registration System in India.
Context:
According to the 2009 Civil Registration System (CRS) report by the Registrar-General of India, only 3.7% of births in Bihar were registered in 2000, compared to the national average of 56.2%.
- That year, 1,29,46,823 births were registered across India.
Key Takeaways:
| Civil Registration System in India: History: The history of the Civil Registration System (CRS) in India dates back to the middle of the 19th century. In 1886 a Central Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act was promulgated to provide for voluntary registration throughout British India. Post-independence: The Registration of Births and Death Act (RBD Act) was enacted in 1969 to promote uniformity and comparability in the registration of Births and Deaths across the country and compilation of vital statistics based thereon. With the enactment of the Act, registration of births, deaths and stillbirths has become mandatory in India. Registration: The Registrar General, India (RGI) at the Central Government level coordinates and unifies the activities of registration throughout the country. However, implementation of the statute is vested with the State Governments. The registration of births and deaths in the country is done by the functionaries appointed by the State Governments. Uniform birth and death reporting: The Act mandates the use of uniform birth and death reporting forms and certificates throughout the country. |
Civil Registration System (CRS) vs. Sample Registration System (SRS):
- Data Comparison: The CRS data is compared with estimates from the Sample Registration System (SRS) to assess the coverage of civil registration in the country.
- CRS and SRS Defined: The CRS provides actual numbers of registered births, while the SRS is a large-scale demographic survey that provides annual estimates of fertility and mortality indicators.
Key Points:
- Persistent Low Registration: Bihar has historically had low birth registration rates compared to the national average, indicating a systemic issue in the state.
- Impact on Electoral Process: The low registration rates could pose challenges for individuals in Bihar during electoral roll revisions, as birth certificates are required for voter registration.
- Digital Mandate and Enforcement: The mandate for digital birth certificates and the need for stricter enforcement of reporting requirements highlight the government’s efforts to improve birth registration.
- Data Discrepancies: The gap between estimated and registered births in Bihar suggests a need for better data collection and monitoring.
- Opposition Concerns: The electoral roll revision process has raised concerns among opposition parties, who view it as a potential step towards implementing the NRC.
- Recent Improvements: While historical data shows significant gaps, more recent data from 2022 indicates improvements in the timeliness of birth registration in Bihar.
While Bihar has made some progress in recent years, the state continues to face challenges in achieving universal birth registration. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services and can fully participate in the electoral process.
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