Patna: Authorities in Bihar have directed local officials to ensure that death certificates are issued within 24 hours to the families of those whose funerals take place at cremation grounds and cemeteries in gram panchayats.
The order was issued by Naveen Kumar Singh, director of the state’s Panchayati Raj department, during a departmental review meeting attended virtually by deputy development commissioners, district panchayati raj officers and additional chief executive officers of district councils.
Singh praised districts that have already implemented the measure effectively and urged others to accelerate compliance, stressing the need for timely documentation for bereaved families.
The director also called for the swift operationalisation of Panchayat Sarkar Bhavans, or local government buildings, constructed across rural areas. He instructed that project estimates for these buildings be approved without delay by the Local Area Engineering Organisation and that construction work be completed promptly.
In a separate directive, officials were told to ensure the maintenance and full functionality of solar streetlights installed under the Chief Minister Rural Solar Streetlight Scheme. More than 1.07m units have already been installed across gram panchayats, with a target of full coverage by the end of the month. Agencies found to be negligent in their duties will face penalties in line with contractual provisions, Singh said.
The department also pushed for the early rollout of Aadhaar service centres in 2,000 sanctioned gram panchayats, instructing officials to complete all necessary procedures for their prompt launch.
The meeting was attended by the department’s officer on special duty, Lalit Rahi, along with other officials.
