Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has shut down its internal SAP-based birth and death registration system following an internal probe that uncovered massive irregularities in birth certificate enrolment. The civic body has now transitioned to the central government's Civil Registration System (CRS) portal for all new birth and death registrations, as well as corrections to existing certificates.
Transition to CRS Portal
The SAP-based system, which had been operational since 2006, has been placed in 'view only' mode since April 15, as confirmed by senior civic officials. This shift aims to enhance data integrity and streamline processes. However, the transition has not been without challenges, particularly as it coincides with the civic public health department's involvement in the ongoing census work. Most senior officials are preoccupied with census duties, which is likely to affect routine pre-monsoon drives and checks as well.
Delays in Certificate Corrections
A resident from Sion, seeking corrections to her birth certificate, reported being asked to 'check back' on July 15, as staff are busy with census work. A civic official, speaking on condition of anonymity, assured that the issuance of new birth and death certificates would not be impacted by the changeover to CRS. However, the official conceded that individuals seeking corrections in their documents may face delays of up to two months. 'For corrections, we will have to first check the SAP system and then implement the changes. This process is time-consuming, and we are constrained by deadlines for census work,' the official added.
Senior civic officials, however, maintained that there is no restriction on corrections, but all work must now be routed through the CRS portal.
Reason for the Shift
The decision to shift from SAP to CRS was made a fortnight ago after a civic inquiry revealed discrepancies between the two systems. Between 2024 and 2026, over 87,000 corrections were processed through the SAP system, while only 33,772 entries were recorded on the CRS portal. This disparity raised serious concerns about oversight and data integrity.
Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide confirmed that the SAP system has been discontinued and that the CRS portal is now being used for all new records and amendments. She added that an inquiry is underway into legacy data and suspicious entries, with the vigilance department examining the extent of irregularities. 'The idea is that everything now has to move to CRS,' Bhide stated, emphasizing that the civic administration is working to restore clarity in procedures for pending cases.
Bhide also noted that staff are adapting to the new system, and efforts are being made to ensure a smooth transition. The BMC urges residents to be patient as the corporation addresses these operational challenges.
