Birth and Death Public Guide for Gilgit Baltistan

Birth and Death Public Guide for Gilgit Baltistan

Table of Contents

1. Legal Framework
2. Institutions and their Roles
   a. Union Council / Union Health Council b. Registrar / Health Officer
   c. Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer
   d. Executive Magistrate
3. Registration of Birth
4. Registration of Death
5. Stillbirths, Miscarriages, and Embryos
6. Correction of Errors and Maintenance of Records
7. General Information, Late Registration, and Alterations in Records

Appendix

Public Guide
Registration of Births and Deaths in Gilgit-Baltistan

Under the Vital Statistics Ordinance 2015, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan has published this Public Guide as part of its initiative to provide information to the public. This guide aims to inform citizens about the registration of births and deaths, the required procedures, and the legal framework governing these processes.

1. Legal Framework

The Vital Statistics Ordinance 2015 is applicable in Gilgit-Baltistan. According to Section 1:
"The Ordinance shall extend to the whole of Gilgit-Baltistan."

The registration of births and deaths is covered under this Ordinance. The relevant laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the registration of births and deaths in Gilgit-Baltistan are as follows:

2. Institutions and their Roles

a. Union Council / Union Health Council
The registration of births and deaths is the responsibility of the Union Council / Union Health Council. According to Section 4(i):
"The Union Council / Union Health Council shall maintain the register of births and deaths of persons born or dying within its jurisdiction."

Therefore, the Union Council / Union Health Council is responsible for the registration of births and deaths.

b. Registrar / Health Officer
According to Section 4(ii):
"The Registrar / Health Officer shall maintain the register of births and deaths of persons born or dying within their jurisdiction."

Thus, the duties of the Registrar / Health Officer include:

• Receiving and maintaining the registration form;
• Maintaining the register;
• Issuing copies;
• Maintaining records and archives; and
• Entering data into the District Information System.

c. Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer According to Section 4(iv), the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer is responsible for the verification and maintenance of registers and records.

The Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer is responsible for the registration, correction, stillbirths, miscarriages, and embryos of births and deaths.

d. Executive Magistrate
Section 2(vi) defines the Executive Magistrate as:
"The Executive Magistrate shall be the District Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or the Magistrate authorized by them."

Under the Ordinance, the Executive Magistrate is responsible for the registration of births and deaths, but the registration of births and deaths is subject to the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner is empowered under the Ordinance. According to Section 6(4):
"The registration of births and deaths shall be done through the District Information System of the Deputy Commissioner."

Similarly, the registration of deaths is also provided for in Section 10(iv) through the District Information System.

3. Registration of Birth

3.1. Who is required to register a birth?
According to Section 6(1):
"The head of the household in whose house a child is born shall register the birth with the Union Council / Union Health Council within 60 days."

Thus, it is mandatory to register the birth with the Union Council / Union Health Council within 60 days of the child's birth.

3.2. Who can register a birth?
According to Section 6(1), the birth can be registered by:

• The father;
• The mother;
• The grandfather or grandmother;
• The brother or sister;
• Any other relative;
• Any person present at the time of birth in the Union Council / Union Health Council area.

According to Section 2(i), the definition of "Head of the Household" also includes these relatives.

3.3. Which form should be used for the registration of a birth? According to Section 6(2):
"The application for the registration of a birth shall be made in Form 'A'."

This form includes the following details:

• Date of birth;
• Date of registration;
• Particulars of the child;
• Name of the father;
• Name of the mother;
• Address details.

According to Section 6(2), the Union Council / Union Health Council shall keep this form in a safe place.

3.4. How is the application form submitted? According to Section 6(3):
"The application form shall be filled in, signed, dated, and submitted to the Union Council / Union Health Council."

If the application form is not submitted, according to Section 6(3):
"The Registrar / Health Officer shall reject the application and inform the applicant about the reasons for rejection."

3.5. Registration of Birth is Complete
According to Section 6(6), registration is complete when:
"The registration of the birth is complete."

This section also states:
"The registration of the birth and the issuance of the birth certificate shall be done."

According to Section 6(7), the fee for the birth certificate, if applicable, shall be paid by the applicant.

3.6. Is there a provision for late registration of a birth? According to Section 6(5), if the birth is not registered within the time limit prescribed by the Union Council / Union Health Council, the applicant must submit an application to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer with the following documents:

• Address and name of the father;
• Application Form A along with the birth certificate;
• Two witnesses;
• If applicable, a copy of the residence certificate.

According to Section 6(5), the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall verify the application and, if satisfied, shall register the birth. If not satisfied, the registration shall not be done.

4. Registration of Death

4.1. Registration of death between 61 days and 7 years According to Section 7(1), for the registration of death between 61 days and 7 years, the applicant must submit an application to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer with the following documents:

• Form A application;
• Birth certificate along with the application;
• Two witnesses;
• Address of the deceased;
• Death certificate;
• Copy of the residence certificate where the deceased was registered;
• Application along with the fee.

The application shall be submitted to the Executive Magistrate according to Section 7(1).

4.2. Correction of Registration
According to Section 7(2), the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall report to the Registrar if any error is found in the registration. In this regard, according to Section 7(3), the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall verify the application and make the correction within 7 days. If not satisfied, the registration shall not be done.

4.3. Registration of death after 7 years
According to Section 7(4), if the death is registered after 7 years, the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall issue a certificate to the Union Council / Union Health Council DHQ/THQ for registration. According to Section 7(4):
"The MS Witnesses and the applicant shall submit the application within 20 days."

The Union Council / Union Health Council shall inform the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer about the registration.

4.4. Chart for Registration of Birth

Responsible Authority	Registration within 60 days of birth	Registration after 61 days	Registration after 7 years	Union Council / Union Health Council	7 years	7 years after	Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer	DHQ/THQ	20 days	Fee
Birth Registration	Within 60 days	After 61 days	After 7 years	Union Council / Union Health Council	7 years	After 7 years	Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer	DHQ/THQ	20 days	Fee

This chart is prescribed under Section 7.

5. Stillbirths, Miscarriages, and Embryos

5.1. Registration of Stillbirths
According to Section 8, if a child is stillborn and the father is not present, and the mother is not in a position to inform the authorities, the person who discovers the stillbirth shall inform the Union Council / Union Health Council. According to Section 8:
"If the child is stillborn, the Union Council / Union Health Council shall register the stillbirth."

5.2. Registration of Miscarriages and Embryos According to Section 9, if a miscarriage or embryo occurs:

1. Registration must be done within 60 days of the miscarriage;
2. Registration shall be done after 60 days with the permission of the Executive Magistrate;
3. The application shall be submitted to the Union Council / Union Health Council;
4. The application shall be submitted to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer;
5. The Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall verify the application;
6. The Registrar shall register the miscarriage or embryo.

According to Section 9(d):
"The application shall be submitted to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer."

6. Registration of Deaths

6.1. Who is required to register a death?
According to Section 10(i):
"The head of the household in whose house a person dies shall register the death with the Union Council / Union Health Council within 60 days."

Thus, it is mandatory to register the death with the Union Council / Union Health Council within 60 days of the death.

6.2. Which form should be used for the registration of a death? According to Section 10(ii):
"The application for the registration of a death shall be made in Form 'B'."

This form shall include the following details:

• Date of death;
• Date of registration;
• Particulars of the deceased;
• Name of the father;
• Name of the mother;
• Address details.

According to Section 10(ii), the Union Council / Union Health Council shall keep this form in a safe place.

6.3. How is the application form submitted? According to Section 10(iii), the head of the household shall fill in, sign, date, and submit the application form. If the application form is not submitted, according to Section 10(iii), the Registrar / Health Officer shall reject the application. According to Section 10(iv):
"The Registrar / Health Officer shall enter the details of the deceased in Form B1."

6.4. Registration of Death is Complete
According to Section 10(vi), registration is complete when:
"The registration of the death is complete."

This section states:
"The registration of the death and the issuance of the death certificate shall be done."

According to Section 10(vii), the fee for the death certificate, if applicable, shall be paid by the head of the household.

6.5. Is there a provision for late registration of a death? According to Section 10(v), if the death is not registered within the time limit prescribed by the Union Council / Union Health Council, the applicant must submit an application to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer with the following documents:

• Address of the deceased;
• Application Form B along with the death certificate;
• Birth certificate along with the application;
• Two witnesses;
• Application to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer.

According to Section 10(v), the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall verify the application and make the correction within 15 days. If not satisfied, the registration shall not be done. If the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer rejects the application, according to Section 10(v), the application can be submitted to the LG AD, and the LG AD shall make the correction within 30 days.

6.6. Registration of death after 60 days
According to Section 11:
"If the death is registered after 60 days, the application shall be submitted with the permission of the Executive Magistrate. And the permission of the Executive Magistrate shall be obtained."

Thus, it is mandatory to submit the application with the permission of the Executive Magistrate for registration of death after 60 days.

6.7. Registration of Miscarriages and Embryos According to Section 12, if a miscarriage or embryo occurs, the applicant must:

1. Submit the death certificate of the deceased;
2. Submit the death certificate along with the application;
3. Submit the application to the Union Council / Union Health Council;
4. Registration of the death shall be done.

According to Section 12:
"The death certificate shall be submitted to the Union Council / Union Health Council and the registration of the death shall be done."

7. Stillbirths, Miscarriages, and Embryos

7.1. How are stillbirths, miscarriages, and embryos registered? According to Section 13(i), if the Union Council / Union Health Council registers a stillbirth, miscarriage, or embryo, the applicant shall submit an application to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer. If the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer is not satisfied, the registration shall not be done, and the Registrar shall inform the applicant about the reasons for rejection. According to Section 13(i):
"The Registrar shall inform the applicant about the reasons for rejection."

If the application is rejected, the applicant can submit the application to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer, which shall be decided within 30 days.

7.2. Registration of miscarriage after 7 years According to Section 13(iii), if the Deputy Commissioner registers a miscarriage after 7 years, the head of the household shall submit an application. In this regard:

• The Registrar shall submit the report;
• The applicant shall not be informed;
• The applicant can also apply to the Union Council / Union Health Council;
• The applicant can be informed;
• The Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer can make the correction.

According to Section 13(iii):
"If the applicant is informed, the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall make the correction."

7.3. Who can be informed about the miscarriage? According to Section 13(iv), this is also applicable. According to this section:
"The head of the household, the father, the mother, the brother, the sister, and the child who is born shall be informed."

Thus, the following persons can be informed about the miscarriage:

• The deceased;
• The deceased's spouse;
• The father;
• The mother;
• The child who is born.

7.4. How can the registration be corrected? According to Section 13(v):
"The registration of the birth and the death shall be corrected with the permission of the Executive Magistrate. And the permission of the Executive Magistrate shall be obtained."

Thus, it is mandatory to obtain the permission of the Executive Magistrate for the correction of the registration of birth and death.

8. Correction of Errors and Maintenance of Records

8.1. How can the registration be corrected? According to Section 14, if the head of the household submits an application to the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer and pays the fee, the registration can be corrected. According to Section 14:
"The fee shall be 500 Rupees. After paying the fee, the head of the household shall submit the application."

8.2. How can the certificate be issued?
According to Section 15(i), if the head of the household applies for the certificate, the Registrar shall issue the certificate after paying the fee. According to Section 15(i):
"The fee shall be 100 Rupees. After paying the fee, the Registrar shall issue the certificate."

8.3. Digital Birth Certificate
According to Section 15(ii), the Registrar shall maintain the digital birth certificate of the birth and death. The Deputy Commissioner may also maintain the digital birth certificate. According to Section 15(ii):
"The Registrar shall maintain the digital birth certificate of the birth and death. The Deputy Commissioner may also maintain the digital birth certificate."

9. General Information, Late Registration, and Alterations in Records

9.1. Who can be informed about the late registration and alterations in records? According to Section 16, if any person provides false information or submits a false report or alters the records, they shall be punished under the relevant laws. According to Section 16:
"If any person provides false information or submits a false report or alters the records, they shall be punished under the relevant laws."

Thus, it is necessary to provide true information, submit a true birth certificate, and not alter the records, and any person who alters the records shall be punished under the relevant laws.

9.2. What should be done after the birth?

1. Obtain the address/name of the father from the Union Council / Union Health Council.
2. Registration must be done within 60 days.
3. Form A must be filled in correctly.
4. The father/mother/relative shall submit the application.
5. The form shall be submitted and verified.
6. If registration is required, the fee/certificate shall be paid.

9.3. What should be done after the death?

1. Obtain the death certificate from the address, doctor, and relevant institution.
2. Form B shall be submitted within 60 days.
3. If the death is not registered, the birth certificate and two witnesses may be required.
4. Verification shall be done from the Union Council / Union Health Council.
5. The fee/certificate shall be paid as required.

9.4. What should be done if the registration is not done?

• Registration of birth and death must be done within 60 days.
• Registration of birth is mandatory.
• Registration of death is also mandatory.
• The fee/certificate may be paid.
• If the birth is not registered between 61 days and 7 years, the birth certificate, witnesses, and fee shall be submitted.
• If the birth is not registered after 7 years, the certificate from the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer shall be submitted.
• If the death is not registered after 60 days, the permission of the Executive Magistrate shall be submitted.
• The deceased, the deceased's spouse, the father, the mother, and the child who is born shall be informed.
• False information and alterations in records shall be punished under the relevant laws.

Appendix

Under the Gilgit-Baltistan Ordinance, the registration of births and deaths is mandatory. The Registrar / Health Officer is responsible for the registration, and the Chief Medical Officer / District Health Officer is responsible for verification and implementation. However, the Executive Magistrate is responsible for the supervision of the registration of births and deaths and the Deputy Commissioner is empowered under the Ordinance. It is necessary for citizens to register the birth and death within 60 days, otherwise, there may be legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.