Karnataka govt tells medical officials to issuebirth, death certificates within 21 days | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Delays in the issuance of birth and death certificates have emerged as a growing concern for the health and family welfare department, prompting a warning of strict action against erring medical officers.Shivakumar KB, commissioner of health and family welfare services, issued a circular Monday directing officials to strictly ensure that birth certificates are issued within the stipulated 21-day period.
According to department data, 9.2 lakh births were registered in 2025 till Nov 28, but only 79% of certificates were issued within the mandated timeframe. Around 5% were issued between 21 and 30 days, more than 11% between 31 and 365 days, and nearly 5% were issued over a year after birth.A similar trend has been observed in the issuance of death certificates. Of the 5.1 lakh deaths registered till Nov 28, only 79% of certificates were issued within 21 days. About 8% were issued between 21 and 30 days, over 11% between 31 and 365 days, and nearly 1.4% were issued more than a year after death.The circular pointed out that delays are forcing citizens to approach courts to secure orders, resulting in additional expenditure of time and money.Officials also noted that families are often left waiting for months for basic documentation. Parents of newborns face difficulties in enrolling children in anganwadis and schools, obtaining Aadhaar cards, ration cards, passports, and accessing govt scholarships. In some cases, delays also disrupt vaccination schedules and health insurance enrolment linked to official birth records.Similarly, families of the deceased people encounter hurdles in claiming insurance, transferring property, settling inheritance, and accessing pensions. In several instances, families are compelled to make repeated visits to hospitals and registration offices, while some are forced to seek legal remedies to complete essential formalities.The issue was discussed at an inter-department coordination committee (IDCC) meeting held on Dec 3. The meeting also flagged concerns over institutional deliveries in the state remaining between 95% and 98%. Following this, the health department directed Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers to intensify awareness campaigns to achieve 100% institutional deliveries.Medical officers designated as sub-registrars for the registration of births and deaths have been reminded that they are responsible for ensuring 100% issuance of certificates within 21 days. The circular warned that medical officers will be held responsible for any delay in issuing the certificates.—-Issuance of documents in Karnataka in 2025CategoryTotal registeredCertificate issued within 21 daysIssued in 21–30 daysIssued in 31–365 daysIssued after 1 yearBirths9.2 lakh79%5%>11%5%Deaths5.1 lakh79%8%>11%1.4%(Till Nov 28) Source: health dept
