LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday introduced a biometric verification system for the registration and issuance of birth, death and marriage certificates at union councils to curb fraudulent registrations and ensure transparency in the process, said by a spokesperson of Local Government Department Punjab.
Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique inaugurated the new Civil Registration Management System (CRMS) in Sheikhupura on Friday under the provincial government’s ‘Digital Punjab, Transparent Punjab’ initiative.
The system has been developed through collaboration between the Local Government Department and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
It will require biometric verification against Nadra’s database before certificates are issued,according to the minister.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Company Bagh, Mr Rafique said the initiative was aimed at ensuring transparent and accessible public services and eliminating the issuance of fake certificates.
He said the system would be introduced in all union councils across Punjab in phases,adding that it would enable citizens to obtain authentic certificates without having to rely on recommendations or pay bribes.
The minister appreciated the teams of the Local Government Department and Nadra for implementing the system, saying the initiative was part of Chief Minister(CM),Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of delivering public services at citizens’ doorsteps.
Member of the Punjab Assembly Pir Ashraf Rasool, Director General Local Government Benish Fatima, a Nadra director general, Deputy Commissioner(DC),Rana Adeel Taswar, officials of the district administration and citizens attended the ceremony.
During his visit,Mr.Rafique also planted a commemorative tree at Company Bagh.