Union Home Minister Amit Shah took significant strides in enhancing digital governance on Tuesday by launching a mobile application aimed at simplifying the registration process for births and deaths across India. The new Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app, developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, promises to streamline the registration process, enabling users to register vital events at their convenience.
A Step Towards Digital Governance
During the launch, Shah emphasized the alignment of this initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Digital India,” which seeks to integrate technology into governance. “This application will make registration of births and deaths seamless and hassle-free by allowing citizens to register at any time, from any place, and in their state’s official language,” he stated in a post on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Under PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s Digital India vision to integrate technology with governance, launched the Civil Registration System mobile application today.
This application will make registration of births and deaths seamless and hassle-free by allowing citizens to register… pic.twitter.com/6VFqmIQXL9
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 29, 2024
The introduction of the CRS app is expected to significantly reduce the time and complexity often associated with the registration of vital events, making the process more accessible for citizens across the country.
Honoring Sardar Patel
In conjunction with the app launch, Amit Shah also unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, known as Janganana Bhawan. This event was timed just two days before the birth anniversary of India’s first home minister, celebrated on October 31.
“Sardar Saheb laid the foundation of a strong India by binding the country in the thread of unity. This statue of the ‘Iron Man,’ a symbol of struggle and sacrifice for the national interest, will continue to inspire everyone by becoming a symbol of his unwavering dedication towards establishing democratic values in the country,” Shah remarked in Hindi on X.
Celebrating Unity and Legacy
The unveiling of the statue and the app launch coincided with the annual observance of ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ or National Unity Day, which has been celebrated since 2014 to honor Patel’s contributions to Indian unity. The event this year was held two days early due to the celebration of Deepawali on October 31.
Sardar Patel, who was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, played a crucial role in the integration of over 550 princely states into the Union of India, a feat that laid the groundwork for the nation’s political landscape.
Shah also highlighted ongoing programs commemorating Patel’s contributions as part of National Unity Day celebrations, reinforcing the importance of unity in India’s diverse society.
A Future Focus on Patel’s Legacy
Looking ahead, Shah announced that the government will honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary with a two-year nationwide program from 2024 to 2026. This initiative will celebrate Patel’s monumental contributions and his enduring legacy in unifying the nation.
As part of this larger commemoration, various activities will be organized to educate citizens about Patel’s role in shaping modern India and to instill a sense of national pride.
The launch of the CRS mobile app represents a significant leap towards digitizing essential services in India, enhancing the ease of living for citizens while also paying homage to one of the nation’s most revered leaders. As the country prepares for National Unity Day and the upcoming celebrations of Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the events underscore the government’s commitment to preserving the ideals of unity and integrity that Patel championed throughout his life.