Officials Directed to Halt Coercive Practices in Certificate Issuance

Rapid Summary

• The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Department has instructed Collectors to ensure certificates are issued promptly and without delays.
• Specific complaints revealed that some Tahsildars were demanding contributions to the Flag Day Fund from applicants seeking legal heir certificates, among others.
• A circular prohibits coercive collection of funds for issuing documents like legal heir certificates, community certificates, and pattas.
• Disciplinary actions will be taken against officials violating these instructions.
• Sence the 2015 launch of e-sevai services with Tamil Nadu e-Governance agency (TNeGA), over 3.44 crore documents have been issued online in the last four years.
• Legal heir certificates help families process succession claims after a person’s death; delays can impact entitlement rights.
• Other key certifications issued include income, community, nativity, inter-caste marriage certificates, licenses under specific Acts (e.g., money-lenders), destitute widow certification, residency proof documentation, and more.

Published: August 25, 2025

Indian Opinion analysis

The Revenue Department’s strong stance against coercive practices involving public funds is commendable for upholding ethical governance standards. By emphasizing prompt service delivery through its widespread digital infrastructure (e-sevai), Tamil Nadu showcases its effort to make administrative processes citizen-friendly while combating corruption.the explicit warning about disciplinary action highlights a commitment to accountability among government staff. addressing such complaints is critical as undue delays or coercion undermine not only service efficiency but also public trust in governance systems. Swift execution of these directives can further enhance transparency-a cornerstone for replicable models across other states aiming for similar reform in public service administration.

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