Strict Action Over Delay in Issuance of Death Certificates; DM Withholds DPRO’s Salary, Certificates Issued Thereafter
Dehradun, February 11:
Demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach towards negligence in public grievance redressal, District Magistrate Savin Bansal took strict action against delays in issuing death certificates in Gauhari Mafi gram panchayat of Doiwala block. The DM ordered the withholding of the District Panchayat Raj Officer’s (DPRO) salary until further orders, following which the pending death certificates were promptly issued.
The matter surfaced during a multi-purpose public grievance camp held on December 1, 2025, at Itharna village under Rishikesh tehsil. Residents Pradeep Singh, son of late Bhagat Singh, and Balbir Singh Rawat, son of late Chandan Singh, complained that the death certificates of their father late Bhagat Singh and mother late Jaywanti Devi respectively had not been issued despite repeated follow-ups.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Rishikesh, had issued directions on December 18, 2025, for necessary action. Subsequently, on December 29, 2025, the Assistant Development Officer (Panchayat), Doiwala block, was instructed to resolve the matter within three days. However, the Panchayati Raj officials failed to act in a timely manner.
Taking serious note of the continued delay, the DM ordered the stoppage of the DPRO’s salary. Following this action, the Gram Panchayat Development Officer issued both death certificates on February 8, 2026. After the disposal of the case, a proposal to lift the salary restriction on the DPRO has been forwarded to higher authorities.
The District Administration has reiterated that negligence in addressing public grievances will not be tolerated. All officials have been directed to ensure timely, transparent, and accountable service delivery. Any laxity in public service will invite strict disciplinary action.
