Akunu S. Meyase, Secretary to the GoN and Chief Registrar of Births and Deaths, along with DC Zunheboto Dharam Raj, IAS and others at the Distribution Programme of IT Equipment Held at Zunheboto on April 16. (Morung Photo)
District gets 25 of 300 IT units for birth registration
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | April 16
A distribution programme of IT equipment for online registration under the Birth Registration based Aadhaar enrolment initiative was held at the Conference Hall Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Zunheboto, on April 16. The initiative is being implemented under the Department of Economics and Statistics and the Office of the District Registrar of Births and Deaths, Zunheboto.
Akunu S Meyase, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland and Chief Registrar of Births and Deaths, attended the programme as the special guest. In her address, she emphasised that birth and death certificates serve as vital legal documents and stressed the responsibility of authorities in accurately recording such events.
She noted that the transition to a fully online system has been hindered by challenges such as inadequate IT infrastructure, internet connectivity issues, and the state’s difficult geographical terrain. She acknowledged these as genuine concerns while highlighting that the current initiative, supported by Unique Identification Authority of India, aims to strengthen the system through the provision of IT equipment.
Meyase also pointed out that many registrars are teachers and urged them to be more proactive. She expressed concern over the low rate of death registration in the state and encouraged officials to ensure proper documentation, even in cases where events go unreported, by taking suo motu action. While acknowledging that families may be grieving, she stressed the importance of maintaining legal records and called for the digitisation of manually issued certificates.
She further highlighted that newborns can be registered without a name initially, provided other details are entered, as name changes later involve a more complex process. She concluded by reminding that the distributed IT equipment belongs to the district and its villages and should not be misused.
Neisatuo Puro, Additional Director of Economics and Statistics and Joint Chief Registrar of Births and Deaths, presented an overview of the online registration system. He informed that out of 300 IT equipment units allocated across Nagaland, Zunheboto district received 25.
He stated that the officials operate under the provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act and emphasised the crucial role of village councils and chairpersons in reporting births and deaths.
He added that although onboarding to the online portal began on April 19, 2022, only 177 out of 192 registrars in the district have been onboarded, with just 17 currently active users.
Puro also highlighted that death registration in Nagaland remains low, with only around 2,000 to 3,000 cases recorded annually. He urged officials to take initiative rather than wait for others. He further explained that newborn birth registration should be completed within 21 days where no documents are required, while delayed registrations may require necessary documents and verifications from the Registrar or DESO and delayed beyond one year require additional formalities through the District magistrate.
Dharam Raj,IAS, Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, stated that the initiative will significantly improve efficiency and public service delivery. He noted that digitised certificates equipped with QR codes will enable access from anywhere, reduce duplication, and introduce a faceless system that enhances transparency and accountability.
He added that the initiative aims to create a robust, universal system with improved service delivery at the doorstep, fostering public trust in governance.
The programme was chaired by K Rhanbemo Kithan, Deputy Director and District Economics and Statistics Officer, Zunheboto. He informed that the IT equipment has been distributed to ADC, SDO, and EAC headquarters, as well as selected village hubs to cater to surrounding areas.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Inato Assumi, Registrar of Births and Deaths, Satami Village.
The 25 locations that received IT equipment from Zunheboto District include: Aghunato Town, Tokiye Town, Philimi, Akuluto Town, Lumami, Asuto Town, Satami, Khumishi B, Atoizu Town, Asukhuto Town, Chisholumi, Mukalimi, Pughoboto Town, Kitami, Saptiqa, Shopiu, Satakha Town, Ghukiye, Suruhuto Town, Satoi Town, Thakiye, VK Town, Asukuhomi, Baimho, and the DESO Zunheboto Office.
