New online portal streamlines registration, but delays beyond 21 days may require magistrate’s approval
Citizens can now register births and deaths through a national online portal — dc.crsorgi.gov.in. Officials are urging residents of Nagaland and across India to familiarise themselves with the streamlined system, warning that delays beyond 21 days could require legal permissions and incur additional steps.
Under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, it is mandatory to register every birth and death in the country. Timely registration is not just a legal requirement — it is essential to securing rights such as education, healthcare, inheritance, and proof of citizenship.
Why it matters
For Individuals:
· Provides legal identity and proof of citizenship
· Needed for school admissions, health services, and social schemes
· The birth certificate is the only official proof of date and place of birth
For the Government:
· Informs planning and policy-making
· Helps monitor population trends and healthcare needs
How to register
Within 21 Days (Free of Cost):
· At Home: Head of the household must inform the local Registrar
· In Hospitals: The medical officer in charge must report the event
After 21 Days:
· 22 to 30 Days: Registration allowed with a late fee
· 30 Days to 1 Year: Requires written permission from the District Registrar
· After 1 Year: Requires a Magistrate’s order and payment of prescribed fees
Documents required
Birth Registration:
· Hospital Discharge Slip or Vaccination Card
· Parents’ Aadhaar and address proof
· Magistrate’s Order (for delays beyond 1 year)
Death Registration:
· Medical Certificate (for hospital deaths) or Colony Chairman’s certificate (home deaths)
· Aadhaar card of the deceased
· Magistrate’s Order (if late beyond 1 year)
What you can do online
Through the revamped Civil Registration System (CRS) portal, citizens can:
· Apply for birth/death certificates
· Upload supporting documents
· Pay late fees (if applicable)
· Receive digital certificates via email or SMS
· Digitize older, manually issued records for easy access
· Website: dc.crsorgi.gov.in
Duties of citizens & registrars
Citizens must:
· Report all births and deaths promptly
· Provide accurate and verifiable information
· Avoid false reporting, which is punishable by law
Registrars Must:
· Register events without reward or delay
· Issue certificates within 7 days of reporting
· Update entries (e.g. child’s name) and correct mistakes as needed
· Maintain secure records and submit monthly reports
(With inputs from DIPR)