Rampant corruption in child birth certificates

Silchar, Jan 29: Rampant corruption in the issue of birth certificates of newly born children by the primary health centres of Cachar has been highlighted by Bharatiya Krisak Sramik Mahasamiti (BKSM) of the district committee. There is hardly any primary health centre which can claim to be above board on the matter. According to the Mahasamiti, a sort of business is being carried on by some staff of the PHCs in the matter of issuance of birth certificates. Parents of new born children have to pay an amount of Rs.500 to Rs.600 for each birth certificate.

 It has been further alleged by the Mahasamiti if the birth certificates relate to the children between 10 to 12 years, the vested elements in PHCs demand Rs.5000 for each certificate issued. The health centre at Chibitabichia in Borkhola assembly constituency has been dubbed as a ‘corruption seva kendra’ by general people of the area. Such a hefty sum was demanded from an woman identified as Nimo Praja of the area and her refusal to pay the amount demanded culmited in the non issuance of three birth certificates of children. Despite their hammering on the matter, the family members did not get any satisfactory answer.

 The total disorder prevailing in the health centres over the issue of birth certificates has led to widespread resentment and anger among the farmers, labourers and all those engaged in unorganized sectors, both in the urban and rural areas of the district. According to a competent source, this kind of business in children birth certificates has been going on for a long time without any intervention from the higher authorities concerned. The victim of such vicious business is another worker med Raju Orang who has been denied the birth certificates of five children on the ground that he has failed to pay Rs.3000 to Rs.4000 for each certificate.

 Rinku Praja is yet another victim who has expressed his ibility to pay any farthing for the birth certificates of his three children. Despite lapse of time, Rinku Praja is yet to get the birth certificates of his children. Virtually, with no authority to take cognizance of the grievances of aggrieved persons like him, there is no other way out than to grope in the dark. The Mahasamiti, if called for, can submit a number of public allegations centering round the issue of child birth certificates.

 The serious issue has been summed up in a memorandum which the Mahasamiti submitted today to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar for causing inquiry into the allegations. It is the expectations of suffering people that proper investigation will be conducted to find out the truth behind the allegations and fix up responsibility on individual or individuals for initiating discipliry action against them. The Mahasamiti has at the same time cautioned if no positive action is taken, it will go for long drawn agitation.