Delhi govt to abolish 200 types of affidavits

In what may come as a major relief to Delhi citizens, the Delhi government on Tuesday decided to abolish 200 types of affidavits, which are required for different documents — ration cards, income certificates, transport permits etc from December 1 and replace it with self-attestation.

The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday at Delhi Secretariat here.

The Union government has already taken decision to do away with the necessity of getting affidavits signed from gazetted officer or a notary for a big chunk of government related work.

According to the government, it is the “biggest” relief for the people of Delhi as they had to face lot of difficulties while getting different certificates and the move will make general public to apply for services easier, without harassment and costs reduced due to abolition of these affidavits.

Briefing about the Cabinet’s decision, deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that several affidavits were just for “formalities” which were a burden on people due to which they have to face a lot of difficulties.

“Today, government has given its nod to abolish 200 types of affidavits sought by various departments. From December 1, affidavits will not be required for different types of certificates,” said Sisodia.

In the application form, there will be an option of self-attestation and thereafter, people will not need to get their documents attested by MLAs, gazetted officers and others from December 1, the deputy CM said. “Getting an affidavit is a very cumbersome process. People have to pay Rs 100-200 for getting affidavits from a notary. Most of the gazetted officials also do not give their nod for affidavits in the absence of sufficient documents.