Nagaland Government Constitutes High-Level Committee for Birth and Death Registration
The Nagaland government has taken a significant step to strengthen its civil registration system by establishing a 13-member Inter-Departmental Coordination Committee (IDCC). This committee, which will be chaired by the chief secretary, has been specifically tasked with monitoring and ensuring the registration of all births and deaths across the state.
Committee's Mandate and Objectives
The primary objective of this newly formed committee is to achieve 100% registration of births and deaths within the legally prescribed 21-day timeframe. According to a notification issued by the economics and statistics department on Friday, the committee will oversee, review, and suggest comprehensive measures to improve registration compliance.
The establishment of this committee follows the provisions outlined in the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, and aligns with instructions from the office of the registrar general of India. These directives emphasize the need for enhanced coordination to ensure the effective implementation of the civil registration system (CRS) throughout the country.
Key Responsibilities and Coordination Efforts
The committee has been entrusted with several critical responsibilities to streamline the registration process:
- Facilitating inter-departmental coordination among key government bodies including the health department, local municipalities, village councils, police, revenue, and education departments.
- Organizing regular training programs and workshops for CRS functionaries such as registrars, sub-registrars, and notifiers including ASHAs, anganwadi workers, and ANMs to enhance their understanding of roles and responsibilities.
- Conducting annual meetings to review progress and achievements in registration works across Nagaland.
Broader Implications and Implementation Strategy
This initiative represents a comprehensive approach to addressing gaps in the civil registration system. By bringing together multiple departments under a single coordination mechanism, the Nagaland government aims to create a more efficient and responsive registration framework.
The committee's focus on training and capacity building for frontline workers is particularly noteworthy, as these individuals play a crucial role in documenting vital events at the grassroots level. Regular workshops will help ensure that all stakeholders have updated knowledge of registration procedures and legal requirements.
With the chief secretary leading this effort, the committee has the necessary administrative authority to drive meaningful change and overcome bureaucratic hurdles that might otherwise impede registration progress.
The annual review meetings will provide structured opportunities to assess implementation challenges, share best practices, and adjust strategies as needed to maintain momentum toward the 100% registration target.
