In the landmark initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday pushed for shifting to self-certification of documents and pitched for minimum use of affidavits in a move aimed at saving the common man from hassles.
All ministries and departments at the Centre and States have been asked to make provision for self-certification of documents in place of affidavits.The requirement of attestation by gazetted officers is sought to be replaced by self-certification by the citizen, a PMO statement said. Under the self-certification method, the original documents are required to be produced at the final stage.
The Prime Minister, during his meeting with all Union Secretaries on June 4, had spoken of reforming the public service delivery system and bridging the governance deficit.“This measure is a start in that direction. It is expected to benefit the people immensely, as all affidavits not required by law shall eventually be done away with,” the statement said.
In a communication addressed to all secretaries of the Central Government as well as Chief Secretaries of States and Administrators of Union Territories, the Department of Administrative Reforms and PublicGrievances have noted that “obtaining either an attested copy or affidavit not only costs money to the poor citizen but also involves wastage of time of the citizens as well as of the Government officials.”
The department has called for a review of the existing requirement of affidavits and attestation by gazetted officers, and replacement by self-certification. Gazetted officers are often reluctant to attest documents due to lack of documents.In case of false self-certification, the person can be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.