Corruption Allegations Emerge at Mukalmua Hospital Over Birth Certificate Fees
Corruption Claims at Mukalmua Subdivisional Civil Hospital
The health center in Mukalmua
Nalbari, April 23: Allegations of corruption have emerged from the Mukalmua Subdivisional Civil Hospital in Nalbari district, where staff members are reportedly soliciting illegal payments from impoverished families for the issuance of birth certificates.
Residents have raised concerns that money is being collected regularly from applicants, despite government regulations that stipulate free birth registration within 21 days of a child's birth, with a nominal fee of Rs 20 applicable between 21 and 30 days.
The situation came to light when Azmina Begum, a local from Mugdi village, claimed she was asked to pay Rs 500 for her child's birth certificate.
Begum mentioned that she had submitted all required documents on the 24th day after her child's birth, which falls within the allowed timeframe for a minimal fee.
“When I went to collect the birth certificate, they demanded Rs 500 from us. We are poor; how can we afford such an amount?” Begum expressed.
The accusations have been directed at junior assistant Mormee (Mamoni) Deka from the birth certificate department and her spouse, Dhanjit Das.
It is noteworthy that Das, a fourth-grade employee, is also accused of meddling in official matters by allegedly leveraging his wife's position to intimidate and influence the public.
Community members have voiced their worries regarding the alleged abuse of power and are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the issue.