The Belagavi City Corporation has started imposing a ₹50 late fee on delayed death registrations. Earlier, families had to submit an affidavit costing about ₹200 if the registration was not completed within a month. Now, along with the affidavit, the Corporation is also collecting this additional fee.
Officials from the Birth and Death Registration Department confirmed that the new charge has been implemented in recent days, with payments accepted in cash or digital mode. However, citizens are questioning why both an affidavit and a late fee are being demanded.
Interestingly, the fee was never discussed or approved in either the Arogya Standing Committee or the Municipal Corporation’s general body meeting, yet it is being collected, according to reports.
Previously, the process was more straightforward, with details gathered at crematoriums or burial grounds and sent directly to the municipal health department. At present, families are compelled to make repeated visits to offices, adding both cost and inconvenience.
Residents have expressed concern that instead of easing procedures, the Corporation has made them more cumbersome and expensive. Despite widespread complaints, corporators have remained silent during committee and general body meetings.
In June 2024, the Lokayukta raided the Birth and Death Certificate Department following allegations of malpractice, but corrective steps were minimal. Requirements such as a doctor’s certificate for deaths occurring at home still create difficulties.
While officials maintain that the charges are valid, many citizens view them as an unnecessary burden on grieving families and a means for the Corporation to generate extra revenue.
