Zunheboto digital birth certificate snag leaves many stranded

District Economics & Statistics Office clarifies

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | July 6

Concerns have surfaced in Zunheboto district over the inability to correct the date of birth (day, month and year) in birth certificates, with the general public claiming that the issue has adversely affected students and pensioners.

According to reliable sources, several cases remain unresolved due to the absence of provisions for correcting the date of birth in birth certificates. Concerned citizens stated that many students and pensioners are facing difficulties because they are unable to rectify incorrect dates of birth in their birth certificates, despite the documents being required for various official purposes.

The sources further informed that the matter has already been brought to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto. However, they claimed that no concrete solution has been reached so far. They appealed to the district administration, civil society organisations, apex Sumi bodies and the concerned authorities to intervene and facilitate relief for genuine applicants facing such issues.

Responding to the concerns, K Rhanbemo Kithan, Deputy Director and District Economics & Statistics Officer, Zunheboto, clarified that the department is not refusing services to the public but is constrained by the limitations of the online registration system.

“Our office is not denying any service. Corrections relating to the applicant's name, parents' names and address can be made. However, the online portal does not provide any option to alter the date of birth or the registration number once the certificate has been digitised and registered,” Kithan clarified.

He urged citizens to verify all details carefully before submitting applications for digitisation. “We request the public to exercise utmost care while entering their date of birth details during the digitisation process because once the certificate is registered online, those particulars cannot be edited through the portal,” he said.

Kithan further informed that with effect from July 1, the District Economics & Statistics Office has completely discontinued issuing manual birth certificates, and all registrations are now processed exclusively through the online system.

Clarifying the service charges collected by the department, he said, “The office charges Rs. 200 for fresh birth certificate registration and Rs 100 for correction and digitisation services. These charges are utilised for operational expenses, including printing, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, printer ink and paper.”