Rationalization of Affidavits for Reforming Public Service Delivery System

Department of Governance ReformsGovernment of Punjab

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Affidavits Signify Governance Deficit Punjab Governance Reforms Commission

TRUST DEFICIT

PRODUCTIVITY DEFICIT

ENGAGEMENT DEFICIT

DIGNITY DEFICIT

GOVERNANCEDEFICITS

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Affidavits and Attestation of DocumentsA Key Requirement for Government Services

Punjab had government - citizen service interface through Suwidha Centres since 2005.

Analysis of transaction of services through these Suwidha centres

It was found that out 22.68 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.

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Self-Declaration Regime - Assessment phase

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)

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Self-Declaration Regime: Preparation phase

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.

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Self Declaration Regime: Sensitization of all stakeholders

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

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Results of Abolition of Affidavit Reform

Total no. of services delivered

22.68 Lac 32.7 Lac 40.8 Lac

Total Annual Saving - Rs. 300 Crores approx

Monetary cost

Travel cost

Opportunity cost

Freedom from hassle

Restoring trust and dignity

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Abolition of Affidavits : Self Attestation

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

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Abolition of Affidavits: Self Attestation

(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.

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Abolition of Affidavits: Post implementation review

(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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Thanks