Rationalization of Affidavits for Reforming Public Service Delivery System Department of Governance Reforms Government of Punjab

Affidavits Signify Governance Deficit Punjab Governance Reforms Commission 2 TRUST DEFICITPRODUCTIVITY DEFICIT ENGAGEMENT DEFICITDIGNITY DEFICIT GOVERNANCE DEFICITS

Affidavits and Attestation of Documents A Key Requirement for Government Services 3  Punjab had government - citizen service interface through Suwidha Centres since  Analysis of transaction of services through these Suwidha centres  It was found that out lac services delivered through Suwidha centres, 14.8 lac pertained to attestation of affidavits.  During school and college admission; and applications for Government services, students and employment seekers flood to Government offices to get their certificates attested.  Punjab Governance Reforms Commission suggested to move from Affidavits and Attestation of Documents by Gazetted Officer to a Self Declaration and Self Attestation Regime.

Self-Declaration Regime - Assessment phase 4  Field surveys in Districts & Sub-Divisions - Generated matrix of services, pertaining to furnishing of affidavit  Meetings with Line Departments and study of the relevant provisions in different laws and rules  Analyze the possible alternatives for replacing the requirement of an affidavit for services, where not required.  Measured probable consequences in case of omitting the submission of affidavit for such services.  Explored the associated legal complications, which may arise while doing away with affidavit PGRC accordingly prepared a comprehensive report indicating two set of services  where mandatory as per law (12 Services)  local practice, not provisioned in law (89 services)

Self-Declaration Regime: Preparation phase 5  Three Specimens of Self-declaration were also finalized: (a).For getting Government services from Departments/ Local Bodies/ Autonomous Institutions. (b).For getting admissions in Educational Institutions. (c).For getting employment in Government/ Local Bodies/ Autonomous Organizations.  Application forms were drafted containing an undertaking/ declaration that facts stated are true and correct to best of knowledge and belief.  Formulated the Government Order (GO) for replacing affidavit with self-attestation as no legal bindings were associated in identified 89 services  Government Order (GO) was issued by Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab on10th March, 2010.

Self Declaration Regime: Sensitization of all stakeholders 6  CS convened meetings with Administrative Secretaries  Sensitization Programmes at various levels  Awareness programmes for general public through print & electronic media  Gathered Revenue data from Treasuries & Sub Treasuries  Solicited MIS report regarding the number of Stamp Papers issued for preparing affidavits

Results of Abolition of Affidavit Reform 7 Total no. of services delivered Lac32.7 Lac40.8 Lac  Total Annual Saving - Rs. 300 Crores approx  Monetary cost  Travel cost  Opportunity cost  Freedom from hassle  Restoring trust and dignity

Abolition of Affidavits : Self Attestation 8  8 lac students seek admissions in various colleges in Punjab every year  Students are required to get their documents duly attested by Gazetted Officer  On an average a student spends Rs. 100/- on attestation  As such 8, 00, 000 X 100 = Rs. 8 Crore  The requirement of giving certified copies of documents at the time of admission in colleges or submitting application for recruitment to various posts in the government/ PSU’s may be dispensed with  The same may be collected at the time of admission/ selection of the candidate with self certification/ attestation

Abolition of Affidavits: Self Attestation 9 (i).Instructions to following departments (a).School Education (b).Medical Education (c).Technical Education & Industrial Training (d).Higher Education & Languages (e).Social Welfare (ii).To scrutinize all prospectus, brochures for admission to various institutions/ universities/ colleges under the jurisdiction of your department and send corrective directives/ guidelines to such institutions and action taken report to the Department of Governance Reforms.

Abolition of Affidavits: Post implementation review 10 (i).Directions to all DCs for regular monitoring of delivery of citizen services (a).Setup an Institutional framework: DC Level – Fortnightly basis DC/Branch level – Weekly basis Designate PCS or Equivalent as Nodal Officer – daily basis (ii).To make surprise visit all offices and to meet the general public to understand their requirements & difficulties (iii).To instruct the concerned authorities to do away the submission of Affidavits where not required as per law

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