the goan I network
MARGAO
With the government failing to unveil measures to put an end to the ordeal faced by Saxtikkars at the Salcete Sub Registrar, Aam Aadmi Party on Monday took up the cudgels for the beleaguered citizens giving the authorities two days time to implement interim measures.
AAP threatened to agitate again on August 1, after the expiry of the deadline, saying citizens have a right to receive birth and death certificates within two days under the Goa (Right to time-bound delivery of public services) Act, 2013.
Armed with banners and placards, AAP volunteers led by Salcete coordinator Ernesto Morais and South Goa co-ordinator Rodney Almeida descended at the Sub Registrar’s office and protested the delay in issuance of birth certificates.
They lamented that citizens are forced to stand in queue for 3-4 hours just to submit their application for a birth certificate and that it takes more than a month for the office to issue the certificates.
Morais demanded that until the government can get its act together, the administration should take immediate interim measures, including the introduction of a token system, manually initially and digital at a later stage; chairs to be provided for citizens while they wait their turn; access to clean drinking water facility and hygienic conditions in the existing bathroom facilities.
“These simple to implement interim measures will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the citizens till such time the government of Goa complies with The Goa (Right to Time-Bound Delivery of Public Services) Act, 2013 in word and spirit,” he said.
Rodney Almeida pointed out that AAP has observed that citizens, including pregnant women, women with infants and particularly senior citizens are made to wait in queue for 3-4 hours to apply for a birth/death certificate.
“This is unacceptable and a violation of basic human rights. Are the authorities, especially the officers working in the building blind to the pain and suffering caused to senior citizens,” he demanded to know.
AAP volunteers pointed out that the inordinate delay in issuing birth/death certificates has multiple repercussion.
“Citizens are unable to register marriages, execute deeds such as relinquishment, succession and other important legal documents, hampering legal process in the civil courts,” he added.
