Rationalization of Affidavits for
Reforming Public Service Delivery System
Department of Governance Reforms
Government of Punjab
Affidavits Signify Governance Deficit
Punjab Governance Reforms Commission
TRUST DEFICIT
PRODUCTIVITY DEFICIT
GOVERNANCE
DEFICITS
ENGAGEMENT DEFICIT
DIGNITY DEFICIT
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Affidavits and Attestation of Documents
A Key Requirement for Government Services

Punjab had government - citizen service interface through Suwidha Centres since 2005.

Analysis of transaction of services through these Suwidha centres

It was found that out 22.68 lac services delivered through Suwidha centres, 14.8 lac pertained
to attestation of affidavits.

During school and college admission; and applications for Government services, students and
employment seekers flood to Government offices to get their certificates attested.

Punjab Governance Reforms Commission suggested to move from Affidavits and Attestation of
Documents by Gazetted Officer to a Self Declaration and Self Attestation Regime.
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Self-Declaration Regime - Assessment phase

Field surveys in Districts & Sub-Divisions - Generated
matrix of services, pertaining to furnishing of affidavit

Meetings with Line Departments and study of the relevant
provisions in different laws and rules

Analyze the possible alternatives for replacing the
requirement of an affidavit for services, where not
required.

Measured probable consequences in case of omitting the
submission of affidavit for such services.

Explored the associated legal complications, which may
arise while doing away with affidavit
PGRC accordingly prepared a
comprehensive report indicating
two set of services

where mandatory as per law
(12 Services)

local practice, not
provisioned in law (89
services)
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Self-Declaration Regime: Preparation phase

Three Specimens of Self-declaration were also finalized:
(a).
For getting Government services from Departments/ Local Bodies/ Autonomous
Institutions.
(b).
For getting admissions in Educational Institutions.
(c).
For getting employment in Government/ Local Bodies/ Autonomous Organizations.

Application forms were drafted containing an undertaking/ declaration that facts stated are
true and correct to best of knowledge and belief.

Formulated the Government Order (GO) for replacing affidavit with self-attestation as no legal
bindings were associated in identified 89 services

Government Order (GO) was issued by Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab on10th March,
2010.
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Self Declaration Regime: Sensitization of all stakeholders

CS convened meetings with Administrative Secretaries

Sensitization Programmes at various levels

Awareness programmes for general public through print & electronic media

Gathered Revenue data from Treasuries & Sub Treasuries

Solicited MIS report regarding the number of Stamp Papers issued for preparing affidavits
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Results of Abolition of Affidavit Reform
22.68 Lac
32.7 Lac
40.8 Lac

Total Annual
Saving - Rs. 300
Crores approx

Monetary cost

Travel cost

Opportunity cost

Freedom from
hassle

Restoring trust
and dignity
Total no. of services delivered
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Abolition of Affidavits : Self Attestation

8 lac students seek admissions in various
colleges in Punjab every year

Students are required to get their
documents duly attested by Gazetted
Officer

On an average a student spends Rs. 100/- on
attestation

As such 8, 00, 000 X 100 = Rs. 8 Crore

The requirement of giving certified
copies of documents at the time of
admission in colleges or submitting
application for recruitment to various
posts in the government/ PSU’s may be
dispensed with

The same may be collected at the time
of admission/ selection of the
candidate with self certification/
attestation
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Abolition of Affidavits: Self Attestation
(i). Instructions to following departments
(a). School Education
(b). Medical Education
(c). Technical Education & Industrial Training
(d). Higher Education & Languages
(e). Social Welfare
(ii). To scrutinize all prospectus, brochures for admission to various institutions/
universities/ colleges under the jurisdiction of your department and send
corrective directives/ guidelines to such institutions and action taken report to the
Department of Governance Reforms.
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Abolition of Affidavits: Post implementation review
(i).
Directions to all DCs for regular monitoring of delivery of citizen services
(a). Setup an Institutional framework:
•
DC Level – Fortnightly basis
•
DC/Branch level – Weekly basis
•
Designate PCS or Equivalent as Nodal Officer – daily basis
(ii). To make surprise visit all offices and to meet the general public to understand
their requirements & difficulties
(iii). To instruct the concerned authorities to do away the submission of Affidavits
where not required as per law
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Thanks
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