A fresh controversy has surfaced at the Belagavi City Corporation over changes in the death registration process, with the newly introduced requirement of a ration card drawing sharp criticism from citizens and elected representatives alike.
The Health Department recently made submission of a ration card mandatory for registering a death, triggering widespread dissatisfaction. Earlier, the Corporation had attempted to enforce compulsory submission of a doctor’s certificate, but that rule was rolled back after strong opposition during a General Body meeting.
The latest mandate, introduced as per government directives, has again complicated the process. Department Head Ashok Kumar Sajjan stated that while the ration card requirement follows government orders, citizens without a ration card can still proceed with registration by submitting a prescribed form obtained from the Food and Civil Supplies Department.
However, the administration has acknowledged that the process is causing inconvenience. The system is pointing out that grieving families are being forced to navigate multiple offices and formalities during an already difficult time.
Currently, the documentation requirements extend beyond the ration card. Applicants are also required to submit Aadhaar details of five neighbouring residents and a panchnama report prepared by a Health Inspector.
Process in Disarray
Officials admit that frequent rule changes over the past 18–24 months have disrupted the system, making death registration increasingly cumbersome for citizens.
To streamline the process, the Corporation has sought direct access to the Food and Civil Supplies Department database, which would allow verification through ration card numbers at the Corporation level itself. However, approval for this integration is still pending.
Meanwhile, complaints from citizens continue to rise, and staff members are reportedly working under mounting pressure due to the procedural confusion. Many families, especially APL dont have a ratino card at all as they get no benefits. No one is interested in having one, but this compulsion is causing more and more hardships to teh families who are already grieving.
Simple Guide: Documents Required for Death Registration
🧾 Mandatory / Primary Documents
- Death Certificate from doctor/hospital
- Ration Card (now required as per the new rule)
📄 If No Ration Card
- Prescribed form from the Food & Civil Supplies Department
- Properly filled and submitted
🪪 Additional Supporting Documents
- Aadhaar Cards of 5 neighbouring residents
- Panchnama report by Health Inspector