MAPUSA
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa on Friday raised a pressing issue in the Goa Legislative Assembly concerning the difficulties faced by citizens in obtaining birth certificates, particularly for births registered during the 1960s and early 1970s.
Highlighting the plight of senior citizens and residents from rural areas, D’Costa urged the State government to streamline the record reconstruction process and make it more accessible to the public.
Speaking during the Assembly session, D’Costa pointed out that despite the availability of an online portal for the reconstruction of old birth records, many applicants continue to face delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
“Applicants are often forced to make multiple trips to Panaji or Margao civic offices just to follow up on their requests. This is particularly inconvenient for the elderly and for those living in remote talukas,” he said.
The issue is of growing concern as documentation like birth certificates is now essential for availing various government services, pensions, legal claims and property matters.
The lack of digitised records from pre-1970 periods, coupled with an inefficient follow-up system, has made the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
In many cases, officials reportedly cite missing or damaged archival records as reasons for delays, pushing applicants into a loop of affidavits, witness statements, and repeated submissions.
Citizens from areas like Quepem, Canacona, and Sanguem “ where digital penetration and access to government offices is limited “ bear the brunt of these challenges.
