Rajya Sabha passes birth and death registration amendment amid heated protests
The Rajya Sabha approved the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill by voice vote while opposition members shouted over unrelated issues.
In New Delhi, the Rajya Sabha gave assent to the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill using a voice vote, foregoing any discussion. MoS for Home Nityanand Rai argued the law would stop unregistered births that could be exploited for fraudulent voting, referring to “ghosts” casting votes. Opposition members disrupted the proceedings, raising grievances about a recent NEET-UG exam paper leak and a controversy over missing donations for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, and they called for Home Minister Amit Shah to attend.
The same bill had already cleared the Lok Sabha, where it also passed without debate. Parallel parliamentary business saw the Appropriation Bill approved by voice vote, while the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was postponed. The session has been marked by repeated adjournments and heated exchanges between the governing party and opposition.
Why it matters
The amendment tightens vital civil registration rules, affecting how births and deaths are recorded across India.
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