Birth Certificate for SIR: Digital Birth Certificate is Smarter! How to Convert Handwritten one to Digital in West Bengal
Digital Birth Certificate for SIR: Amidst the ongoing ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) of voter lists across West Bengal, the birth certificate has emerged as a crucial document for identity and age verification. While many residents possess older, handwritten certificates, questions about their validity and convenience have arisen. Officials from the West Bengal government have clarified that these old handwritten certificates are still completely valid and have not been cancelled. Therefore, converting them to a digital format is not mandatory.
However, for administrative tasks, passport applications, and other official verifications, a digital birth certificate offers significant advantages. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the importance of the digital certificate and the step-by-step process to upgrade your old one.
Why is a Digital Birth Certificate More Convenient?
Verifying old handwritten certificates can be a time-consuming and complex process. Often, the illegible or faded information can lead to rejection or delays at various government and private offices.
In contrast, the new digital birth certificate features a QR code. Any authority or organization can scan this code to instantly verify your details directly from the West Bengal government’s ‘Janmo Mrityu Tathya’ portal. This ease of verification and enhanced credibility make the digital certificate the preferred format today. While not compulsory, upgrading is a wise decision for future convenience.
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Join on TelegramThe Role of Birth Certificates in the SIR Process
The ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) is an intensive verification drive for the electoral roll, conducted by the Election Commission. During this process, voters’ age and address proofs are being meticulously checked. The birth certificate is one of the primary and most reliable documents accepted by the Election Commission for age proof. Having a digital, easily verifiable birth certificate can make the SIR registration and verification process much smoother.
How to Convert a Handwritten Certificate to Digital
It is important to note that this conversion process cannot be completed online by yourself. You must visit the relevant government office in person.
Who is Eligible?
Primarily, birth certificates issued by a Panchayat or Municipality after October 1999 can be digitized. However, certificates issued directly from hospitals before 1987 may not be eligible for this process.
Steps and Required Documents:
Follow these steps to convert your old certificate:
- Visit the Office: Take your original handwritten certificate to the concerned Registrar’s office, which is your local Municipality or Panchayat office.
- Fill the Form: Officials there will verify your details and assist you in filling out a specific form, “Form A”.
- Submit Documents: You will need to provide the following documents for the application.
| Document Type | Required Items |
|---|---|
| Original Certificate | The old, handwritten birth certificate. |
| Parent’s ID | Voter Card and Aadhaar Card of the child’s parents. |
What if the Original Certificate is Lost?
If your original certificate is lost, don’t worry. You can still apply for a digital version if you have a photocopy where the registration number is clearly visible, or a Polio Card that mentions the registration number. In such cases, you may also be required to submit a copy of a General Diary (GD) filed at the local police station regarding the lost certificate.
Additional Benefits of Digitization
This process offers several extra advantages:
- Mobile Number Linking: You can link your mobile number to the certificate during the digitization process.
- Easy Downloads: Once digitized, you can download your digital birth certificate as many times as you need from the ‘Janmo Mrityu Tathya’ portal using your registered mobile number.
- Information Correction: If your old certificate has errors, such as a misspelled name, you can apply for corrections during this process by submitting necessary proof (like a School Certificate or Aadhaar Card).
