Registration of Births and Deaths in India | 17 Apr 2025

Source: TH

Why in News?  

The Registrar General of India (RGI) has advised government and private hospitals to promptly report births and deaths. RGI noted that despite a 90% registration rate, many institutions fail to report within the mandatory 21-day period, undermining the goal of 100% universal registration. 

What are the Provisions Regarding Registration of Births and Deaths? 

• Mandatory Registration: As per the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969 (amended in 2023), all births and deaths must be registered. Registration must be done at the place of occurrence of the event.  
• Registration Functionaries: The RGI oversees national registration, with Chief Registrars and District Registrars managing state and district-level implementation. Local Registrars handle birth and death registrations and certificates. 
• Civil Registration System: The RBD Act, 1969 mandates that, starting from October 2023, all registrations must be done digitally through the CRS. 
• Time Period for Reporting:  The prescribed time for reporting birth, death, or stillbirth (death of a fetus after 28 weeks of pregnancy, but before or during birth) is within 21 days from the date of occurrence. Late fee applicable after 21 days. 
• Births and Deaths Outside India (for Indian Citizens): A child born outside India must register their birth under the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizens (Registration at Indian consulates) Rules, 1956.  
  • However, under Section 20 of the RBD Act, if the parents return to India with the intent to settle, the birth can be registered within 60 days from the child's arrival in India. 
  • Deaths of Indian citizens abroad are registered at the Indian Consulate under the Citizenship Act, 1955, and are deemed valid under the RBD Act, 1969. 
• Penalty for Non-compliance: Under RBD Act, negligence by registrars in registering events is punishable with a fine up to Rs 1,000.