Civil registration system (CRS) for birth and death registration in Assam – A rapid assessment

Abstract Problem considered Civil registration is, only way to track all births and deaths. Globally, 2/3 of annual deaths, are not registered. Despite existence of Registration of Birth and Death Act (1969), Civil Registration System (CRS) in India registers only 68.3% births and 63.2% deaths. Aim A rapid assessment of civil registration system for birth and death registration in Assam. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study using mixed method was undertaken. Predesigned, pretested questionnaires were used for quantitative study. For qualitative study key informant interview of service providers and Focus group discussion of beneficiaries was conducted in each District. Results Only 8.5% (27) service providers, trained to operate a computer. Designated office were present in 62.5% (198) facilities, while only 15.5% (49), 7.9% (25), 25.6% (81) and 12.6% (40) of the facilities have landline telephone, cellular phone, functional computer and internet connectivity, respectively. Electricity connection present in 97.2% (308). Facilities are open for 8 h in 86.1% (273) cases. Reason for poor utilization includes difficult communication, lack of awareness, inefficient system. Conclusion Tremendous scope of improvement in birth and death registration department with adequate investment to improve the infrastructure, manpower and IT equipment's.