Maharashtra Government's Major Crackdown on Document Fraud
The Maharashtra government, under the leadership of Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has initiated a decisive statewide campaign to identify and cancel fraudulent birth and death certificates. The minister officially launched this extensive verification drive on Thursday, highlighting the severe misuse of such counterfeit documents for illicit gains.
Why This Drive is Crucial for Security and Governance
Minister Bawankule explained that these fake certificates are not just administrative errors but are actively used to wrongfully claim government benefits, fuel land disputes, and even engage in activities that pose significant security risks to the state and the nation. This has necessitated a firm and immediate response from the administration.
The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting that included senior officers from both the Home and Revenue Departments. Following this, the government issued a comprehensive 16-point guideline to all relevant officials, including Tehsildars, SDOs, Collectors, and Divisional Commissioners, outlining the precise steps for the drive.
Key Directives and Immediate Actions
A central directive from the minister orders the immediate cancellation of all certificates that were issued solely on the basis of an Aadhaar card. The circular explicitly states that, as per Central Government rules, Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of birth, its date, or its place.
Furthermore, the government has mandated the withdrawal of all birth and death registration orders issued by Nayab Tehsildars after the August 11, 2023 amendment. Any certificate found to be based only on Aadhaar must be officially marked as "defective" and cancelled.
The crackdown includes stringent legal measures. Officials have been instructed to file FIRs in cases where the date of birth provided by an applicant does not match the details on their Aadhaar card. Additionally, individuals who fail to return their fake certificates or cannot be located will be declared absconders.
Focus on High-Risk Districts and Ongoing Vigilance
To ensure the investigation is targeted and effective, the state has identified 14 specific locations where a large number of such frauds have been reported. These areas are:
- Amravati
- Akola
- Sillod
- Sambhajinagar city
- Latur
- Anjangaon Surji
- Achalpur
- Pusad
- Parbhani
- Beed
- Gevrai
- Jalna
- Ardhapur
- Parli
In these districts, special verification camps will be organized under the direct supervision of District Collectors and Divisional Commissioners. These senior officials are also tasked with sending regular progress reports to the state government to monitor the drive's effectiveness.
Minister Bawankule affirmed that the government is following a zero-tolerance policy against document fraud. He declared that the special drive will continue relentlessly until all suspicious certificates issued after 2023 are thoroughly examined and cancelled if found to be fake, ensuring the integrity of the state's vital records.
