BMC seeks cancellation of nearly 20,000 birth certificates amid probe into alleged irregularities

Mumbai: The BMC’s ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in birth certificates issued between 2024 and 2026 has led to the unearthing of more discrepancies. Civic records showed that while officials had found 10,244 cases till May 21 of corrections in birth certificates made without any supporting documents, the number has now increased to 19,734. A senior BMC official said that on May 29, the civic body wrote to the chief registrar of births and deaths seeking cancellation of the 19,734 birth certificates.A breakup of the numbers shows that in case of as many as 16,528 birth certificates, no supporting documents were provided at all while 3,206 incomplete papers had been furnished.“The initial investigation done by the civic team had found discrepancies in 10,000-odd birth certificates. However, further investigation into a total of 86,020 birth certificates that were scrutinised showed discrepancies in 19,734 birth certificates. Hence, we have written to the chief registrar of births and deaths to seek cancellation,” said an official, adding some more officials might also face the heat over the extent of irregularities.Meanwhile, criminal investigation into the issue has also gathered momentum. Two days ago, Mumbai police’s special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged irregularities summoned a team of BMC officials for information on the functioning of the birth registration software systems, including the customer relationship management (CRM) and SAP platforms. Officials were asked to demonstrate how corrections and modifications can be made in the birth records, the levels of authorisation required, and the prescribed procedure for approving such changes.Kirit Somaiya, former BJP MP who has been following up on the issue, said, “It is shocking that such an organised fraud wasn’t noticed. Without any delay, these birth certificates should be cancelled as it has become aptly clear that such important civic records were processed without affidavits, applications or supporting documents.”The controversy stems from an internal report submitted to BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide on April 30. The report found that medical officers of health (MOHs) across several wards were making corrections not only in the mandatory civil registration system (CRS) portal, but also in the older SAP-CPWM system — the BMC’s internal software — allegedly in violation of guidelines issued by the Registrar General of India.Civic officials said they are being unjustly punished. “No civic circular was issued to stop corrections in the SAP system; no showcause notice was given to those suspended and neither was an attempt made to allow officials to explain their stance,” said one.