Punjab digitises birth, death records system

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department has notified new Birth and Death Registration Rules, introducing significant relief for citizens by simplifying the registration process and abolishing several long-standing requirements.

The new rules, which will come into full effect on August 1, provide for the free registration of births and deaths, along with the issuance of computerised certificates, for up to seven years from the date of occurrence.

As part of the reforms, all previous registration fees for cases within the seven-year period have been abolished. The department has also withdrawn the requirement for a court decree in cases of delayed registration. In addition, the entire registration system has been digitised and will operate through an online platform.

Under the revised rules, the Secretary of the relevant Union Council will be authorised to register births of children up to one year of age, while the Assistant Director will have the authority to approve registrations for children aged over one year and up to seven years. Registrations for individuals above seven years of age will fall under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Director concerned.