The Times of India has launched a new weekday series called 'Hack of the Day', aimed at providing quick and practical solutions to everyday problems. This initiative focuses on smart living by offering simple fixes that save time, money, and stress, utilizing readily available tools like government websites and common applications.
Ending the Era of Long Government Queues
Gone are the frustrating days of spending hours in long lines at municipal offices to obtain essential documents like birth or marriage certificates. Thanks to India's significant push towards digital governance, most states now enable citizens to download these vital certificates online within a few minutes. This digital shift not only saves valuable time but also reduces physical paperwork and ensures you always have a certified digital copy readily available.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Your Certificates
Step 1: Access the Official Portal
For birth certificates, you need to visit your state's specific municipal corporation website or the national Civil Registration System (CRS) portal at https://crsorgi.gov.in. For marriage certificates, the process involves visiting your state's dedicated marriage registration portal, which is often integrated with local municipal websites.
Step 2: Provide Essential Details
You will be required to enter key information to locate your record. This typically includes the registration number if you have it, the full name of the applicant or applicants, the date of the birth or marriage event, and the precise place of registration such as the hospital, municipal ward, or registrar's office.
Step 3: Complete Identity Authentication
Most government portals use Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers for secure OTP verification. Several states also offer the option to log in via the DigiLocker platform, which can automatically fetch and store your certificates if they are already linked to your account, streamlining the process further.
Download, Track, and Use Your Digital Document
Step 4: Download Your Certificate
Once your identity is verified, you can immediately download the certificate in a universally accepted PDF format. Importantly, many portals provide the option to request a digitally signed copy, which carries the same legal validity as a physical document across India.
Step 5: Track Application Status if Needed
If your certificate has not been issued yet, the portals offer tracking features. You can check the application status using your unique reference number. The system often provides SMS or email updates once the certificate is processed and ready for download.
This initiative by The Times of India underscores the practical benefits of India's digital infrastructure, empowering citizens with convenient access to essential services. The TOI Tech Desk, a dedicated team of journalists, brings this and other technology news, covering everything from gadget launches and AI trends to cybersecurity and digital platforms.
