Progress in Birth Registration Rates in Bihar and India

The birth registration rates in Bihar and India are a very important measure of how well our country is documenting the births of children. Birth registration is not just about recording a name and date of birth. It is about giving every child a legal identity, a place in society, and a right to basic services. In India, many children are still not registered at birth, and this can affect their entire life.

In recent years, birth registration in India has made significant progress, with increasing efforts toward digitalisation and stronger enforcement of registration laws. Bihar, a state that has historically faced challenges in this area, is now showing marked improvement. In 2022, Bihar successfully registered 71% of births within the required 21-day period—a notable rise compared to earlier years. This reflects the broader national trend of expanding access and strengthening the birth registration system.

What Does Birth Registration Mean?

Simple Definition of Birth Registration

Birth registration means officially recording the details of a child’s birth with the government. These details include:

• Name of the child
• Date and time of birth
• Place of birth
• Names of parents
• Gender of the child

When this information is recorded, the government issues a birth certificate, which is an official legal document.

Who Registers Births in India?

In India, birth registration is done through the Civil Registration System (CRS). Each state has its own offices in cities and villages where births can be registered. According to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, every birth must be registered within 21 days.

Why Are Birth Registration Rates in Bihar and India Important?

The Value of Legal Identity

When a birth is registered, the child gets a legal identity. This is very important because:

• It proves the child exists under the law
• It helps them apply for school, college, or a job
• It allows them to get passports, voter ID, and other important documents
• It protects them from being left out of government schemes

Without birth registration, a child may not be able to access their full rights as a citizen.

Protection from Exploitation

In many parts of India, including Bihar, children are sometimes forced into child marriage or child labour. If the child’s birth is registered, there is proof of age, which helps in stopping these illegal practices.

Access to Welfare Services

To receive benefits from government schemes like:

• Free mid-day meals in school
• Vaccination and health care under the National Health Mission
• Scholarship programs
• Free ration under PDS

The child often needs a birth certificate. So, good birth registration rates in Bihar and India are also linked to social development.

Current Status of Birth Registration Rates in Bihar and India

National Birth Registration Progress

In the last two decades, India has made major progress in birth registration. As per the Civil Registration System Report 2023:

• In the year 2000, only 56% of births were registered in India
• By 2015, this increased to 83%
• In 2020, the number touched 92%
• In 2023, the birth registration rate reached 96.5%

This shows that birth registration rates in India are steadily improving. Most states have now crossed 90% registration coverage.

Birth Registration Rates in Bihar – Slower But Rising

Now let’s look specifically at birth registration rates in Bihar, one of the least performing states in this area.

• In 2010, only 23% of births in Bihar were officially registered
• By 2015, this increased to 45%
• In 2020, Bihar reached around 70%
• As per early estimates for 2024, the rate has improved to nearly 80%, though still below the national average

This means that birth registration rates in Bihar are improving, but there is still a gap that needs urgent attention.

Reasons for Low Birth Registration Rates in Bihar

What Makes Birth Registration Difficult in Bihar?

Despite improvements, birth registration rates in Bihar remain low due to several reasons:

Lack of Awareness

Many people in villages do not know the importance of registering a child’s birth. They think it is not necessary unless the child goes to school.

Limited Access

In remote areas, registration centers are far away. Poor roads, transport issues, and lack of staff make it hard for families to reach them.

Poverty and Illiteracy

When families are struggling with food and jobs, birth registration is often not their priority. Also, illiteracy makes it hard to fill out forms or understand government rules.

Home Births

In rural Bihar, many children are born at home and not in hospitals. Hospital births are usually registered automatically, but home births often get missed.

Government Initiatives to Improve Birth Registration Rates in Bihar and India

Steps Taken by Government of India

The central government is working hard to make sure every child’s birth is recorded. Some key programs include:

• Digital India Program: Making online birth registration possible even in rural areas
• Aadhaar Enrollment at Birth: Linking Aadhaar with birth certificates to ensure legal identity
• Integration with Health Systems: Hospitals and health workers now help register births automatically
• Awareness Campaigns: Promoting the importance of registration through media and local programs

Bihar-Specific Efforts

The government of Bihar has also taken important steps:

• Janani Suraksha Yojana: Encouraging institutional deliveries, which automatically get registered
• Mobile Registration Units: Sending teams to remote areas for on-the-spot birth registration
• Training Anganwadi Workers: Empowering them to assist in the birth registration process
• Online Portal for Bihar: A web-based system for applying for birth certificates online

All these efforts aim to improve birth registration rates in Bihar and catch up with the national average.

What Can Be Done to Further Improve Birth Registration Rates in Bihar and India?

Suggestions for the Future

Here are some steps that can help improve birth registration rates in Bihar and India even more:

• Mandatory registration at hospitals and home births
• Special campaigns in low-performing districts
• Use of local schools and Panchayats for awareness
• Simplified forms and online tools in regional languages
• Monitoring and tracking of unregistered children

By combining technology, awareness, and community help, India can soon achieve 100% birth registration.

Conclusion: Why Birth Registration Rates in Bihar and India Matter

Birth registration rates in Bihar and India are a clear measure of how well the country is protecting the rights of children. Birth registration gives every child a legal identity, access to essential services, and protection from exploitation.

India has made strong progress in increasing birth registration, but Bihar still needs special attention and action. With continued awareness, government support, and public cooperation, we can ensure that every child in Bihar and India gets the right start in life—beginning with a registered birth.