Mumbai: In a major development amid a crackdown on fake birth certificates allegedly issued to illegal migrants in the city, a sweeping internal probe by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has uncovered widespread violations in the birth and death registration system. Officials described the findings as exposing a parallel, unauthorised data trail operating across all 24 wards.
Probe Report Highlights Violations
The probe report, which was tabled before BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Thursday, called for the suspension of a third medical officer of health (MOH) in connection with the fake certificates case. The report found that MOHs in many wards were making corrections to birth and death records not only in the mandatory Civil Registration System (CRS) portal but also in the old SAP-CPWM system—BMC's internal system—which constitutes a violation of the Registrar General of India's guidelines.
Discrepancies in Data Entries
The report revealed that from 2024 to 2026, over 87,000 corrections were made through the SAP system, while only 33,772 entries were recorded on the CRS portal. A senior BMC official stated, "The administration has ordered an immediate end to all SAP entries; the IT director has been instructed to revoke all SAP authorisations of MOHs."
Recommended Actions Against Officials
The report recommended the suspension of former MOH of L and E wards, Dr. Shailendra Gujar, and disciplinary action against several other officials. Earlier, two MOHs and two birth registration clerks from M-East ward were suspended, and FIRs were filed against the two MOHs. The official added, "The report said prima facie evidence has been established in the E ward probe with regard to birth registrations, while a separate, independent probe is now underway in L ward."
Phased Transfers and Restructuring
The probe also recommended a phased transfer of MOHs, starting with K-West, R-North, and E wards. "Abnormalities were noted in the number of corrections done in these three wards, and hence, it has been decided to transfer the officials. They will be given other postings and not that of MOHs," the official explained. Due to ongoing census work, the transfers will be executed in phases. Additionally, the responsibilities of MOHs across wards are set to be restructured.
Political Reaction
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who had flagged irregularities in birth and death registrations in 2024-25, commented, "This is the first time that BMC is taking such stringent action in the case, following my detailed probe into the depth of the racket. I credit the civic chief for recognising the seriousness of the issue and sending out a strong message."
