Kolkata Municipal Corporation Launches Crackdown on Birth Certificate Racket
In a decisive move to curb corruption, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated stringent measures against a section of civic employees allegedly involved in a birth certificate racket. This action comes in response to a surge in complaints from citizens facing harassment and exorbitant demands for fees during the ongoing Special Registration (SIR) process.
Immediate Actions Taken by KMC Health Department
Following a media report highlighting specific instances of citizen harassment, the KMC health department has ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at all sensitive zones, including the certificate record room. Senior officials have been directed to conduct surprise checks to monitor activities and gather real-time evidence of any malpractice.
Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh, who oversees the health department, emphasized the civic body's commitment to ensuring a hassle-free application process. "We will not compromise on citizens' right to access birth certificates without undue stress. Every application submitted through the Chatbot will be processed, and certificates will be issued if documents are genuine. Any misconduct by our workers will result in stern action," Ghosh stated.
Details of the Alleged Racket
According to sources within the KMC, a group of employees in the birth certificate wing, in collusion with touts, has been operating a scheme to sell certificates at premium prices. For instance, last week, a citizen with connections to KMC chairperson Mala Roy was offered a tatkal slot for Rs 30,000. The situation escalated when the applicant informed Roy about the offer, prompting further investigation.
The racket exploits the desperation of citizens who urgently need birth or death certificates to secure voting rights. When applicants face delays, they often turn to touts linked to KMC employees. "If you are willing to pay, you don't need to search for a tout—they will find you. After bargaining, you pay an advance to book your certificate," revealed an anonymous KMC health department official.
Challenges with Special Registration Rules
The issue is particularly acute under the Special Registration Act, where the process for issuing birth or death certificates is more time-consuming due to rigorous document verification. A KMC official acknowledged that touts demand between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000 for certificates under these rules, taking advantage of the extended processing times.
To address these challenges, the KMC brass is considering a reshuffle in the birth certificate wing to eliminate malpractice. This proactive approach aims to restore trust and efficiency in civic services, ensuring that citizens can obtain essential documents without facing corruption or undue delays.
