Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a cutting-edge digital preservation system named Vision AI Vault at its E Ward office, making crucial civic documents such as birth and death certificates and marriage registration records available instantly. This initiative leverages artificial intelligence to classify, scan, and archive old civic records.
Revolutionizing Document Retrieval
The new system is expected to drastically cut waiting times for citizens seeking official documents. Previously, obtaining such records required a minimum wait of 30 days, and in some cases, the process could extend beyond a year. With Vision AI Vault, documents can be retrieved within seconds, and digitally signed certificates can be generated instantly.
Preserving Historical Records
BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi highlighted that the E Ward office houses civic records that have withstood monsoons, humid weather, and the test of time. However, physical preservation has become increasingly challenging. Over the years, ink on many documents has faded, pages have become brittle, and numerous records remain buried under dust and old cloth bundles. Citizens often endured weeks or even months of waiting for a single certificate, while the administration struggled to preserve these historical documents.
Joshi explained that the Vision AI Vault system goes beyond conventional Optical Character Recognition (OCR). It can accurately read cursive handwritten scripts in English, Marathi, and Hindi. The technology restores faded letters, removes distortions caused by ink blots, and improves the readability of delicate pre-Independence-era records.
Benefits for Citizens
The civic administration believes the new system will eliminate tedious manual searches through fragile registers, reduce long queues, and end uncertainty in document retrieval. Officials added that citizens will experience faster, more accurate, and convenient services. The use of AI is also expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security, while helping curb fraudulent certificates.
This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing civic services in Mumbai, leveraging technology to preserve history and serve citizens better.
