Review of Registration of Births and Deaths Act

SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills Inter-Departmental Co-ordination Committee (IDCC) under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal, met recently to review the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
Goyal spoke on the significance of registration of birth in proving domicile and establishing the date of birth and other such benefits.
According, to Dr. R.M. Lamare, District Medical and Health Officer, registration of births and deaths is compulsory within 21 days, but delayed registration is permissible.
Although births and deaths are registered at the Shillong Municipality Board, Cantonment Board, Ganesh Das Hospital, Civil Hospital and Reid Chest Hospital in urban areas, she added that in the rural areas the Medical Officer in-charge of Health Centers and NEIGRIHMS can also issue the certificate.
Goyal has suggested a review to the process of registration of deaths especially those related to Medical Certificate of Cause of Death Form No. 4A, for non-institutional deaths to avoid unnecessary harassment to the members of the public.