Errors, delays in Family Register Certificates worry applicants amid SIR

Applicants seeking Family Register Certificates and those assisting them have voiced concerns over delayed issuance and errors in personal details, particularly ages. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has heightened their urgency. One issue identified is the incorrect recording of ages on certificates; at least three cases have been examined by The Hindu, with age inaccuracies ranging from '0' to a 19-year-old man's age being listed as 19.

A MeeSeva operator, with years of experience, reported encountering numerous applicants who found their certificate details incorrect when they had previously received correct information on documents like ration cards. He questioned why the data used for certificates is static, given the importance of accurate date of birth information. Similarly, a 37-year-old resident mentioned his age being listed as 19 on his certificate, despite being 37. He surmised that the data might have been sourced from outdated documents.

While the Telangana government's introduction of these certificates was welcomed, some applicants worry the erroneous details could lead to additional scrutiny during the SIR process, potentially resulting in notifications. Critics argue that the certificates serve to avoid such document-related problems during SIR; however, the very mistakes they aim to prevent are present.

The issuance timeline of two working days from the application date, as per GO Ms. 172, has not been met. Applicants allege delays, citing screenshots that show some applications are still pending. Officials, however, argue that the high volume of applications, especially in certain mandals, requires careful verification before issuing certificates.

Balapur Tahsildar P. Indira Devi noted that the mandal alone received 7,000 applications, each taking between five and seven minutes to process. They have escalated the issue, acknowledging the matter's importance. Applicants have also proposed a 'reprint' option for correcting erroneous details in their certificates.