Patna: In a move aimed at improving public service delivery in rural areas, the Bihar Cabinet has authorised Panchayat Secretaries to issue birth and death certificates. The decision, taken on Friday, is expected to reduce delays and dependence on block-level offices for such essential documentation.
Previously, villagers had to rely on Block Statistical Officers to obtain certificates, often facing long queues and procedural delays due to limited staff and counters. Now, Panchayat Secretaries will function as Registrars (Birth and Death) for their respective Gram Panchayats.
Applications submitted within 30 days of the event will be handled directly by the Panchayat Secretary. In cases delayed by one month to a year, a recommendation from the Block Statistical Officer will be required. Applications older than a year will necessitate approval from the Block Development Officer (BDO).
Dedicated counters for certificate services will be established at Panchayat Bhawans to streamline the process. According to officials from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, the system is expected to increase rural participation in vital registration processes. Currently, the state records about 3 million births annually, with lower registration rates in rural regions.
The Cabinet also approved administrative sanctions for two major projects: Rs 165 crore for a Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre in Bodh Gaya, and Rs 126 crore for a new Administrative Training Institute (ATI) building in Patna’s Bipad campus. Both projects are part of broader efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve governance across Bihar.
