Pune: Aadhaar-Only Birth, Death Certificates to Be Cancelled; Maharashtra Govt Tightens Verification Rules

Pune, 29th November 2025: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has ordered a comprehensive statewide review to detect and nullify fraudulent birth and death certificates, directing officials to act against applicants found using forged documents.

During a high-level discussion with senior officials from the home and revenue departments, Bawankule instructed authorities to immediately cancel certificates issued only on the basis of Aadhaar data and file police cases wherever discrepancies are identified. The move follows a surge in complaints that fake certificates are being used to wrongfully claim government benefits, manipulate property ownership, and alter identity details.

After the meeting, the revenue department circulated a detailed 16-point verification checklist to divisional commissioners, district collectors, sub-divisional officers and tehsildars. The circular reiterates that Aadhaar alone is not acceptable as proof of date or place of birth as per national guidelines.

Officials have been told to revoke orders issued by nayab tehsildars under an August 11, 2023 amendment, which is currently under review for procedural irregularities. Any certificate cleared without proper supporting records — especially those based solely on Aadhaar — will be declared invalid.

Authorities have been instructed to treat mismatches between an applicant’s declaration and their Aadhaar-linked details as a criminal offence. Those who fail to surrender fake documents or evade questioning will be marked absconding and booked under relevant laws. District administrations must maintain digital documentation of cancellations and enforcement actions.

Special verification camps will be held through December under direct oversight of divisional commissioners and collectors. Weekly assessments will track progress and ensure accountability across districts.

Senior officials say 14 districts have emerged as focal points for the malpractice and will undergo intensified scrutiny. These include Amravati, Akola, Sillod, Sambhajinagar city, Latur, Anjangaon Surji, Achalpur, Pusad, Parbhani, Beed, Gevrai, Jalna, Ardhapur and Parli.

Issuing a strong message, Bawankule said the state will pursue a zero-tolerance approach. “Fake birth or death records are not just about availing benefits — they affect land rights and can even pose risks to national security. Anyone involved in such fraud will face strict action,” he said.

Officials in Pune district confirmed that the intensified verification drive will begin early next month in line with the state-level directions.