Thrissur: Despite repeated government directives to simplify access to certificates and public services, several departments in Kerala continue to resist implementation, prompting the state to reissue orders once again.

The first such order was issued on October 7, 2021, followed by additional directives on November 8, 2022, March 6, 2023, June 16, 2025, and most recently on January 16, 2026. The latest order was issued after a complaint by C A Babu, a resident of Mullassery, to the Chief Minister, alleging non-compliance with earlier instructions.

The citizen-friendly reforms aim to reduce paperwork, eliminate unnecessary verification, and speed up service delivery. Key measures include:

  • Waiver of application fees for government services.
  • Self-attestation permitted; no need for gazetted officer or notary attestation.
  • One-page application forms with simplified formats.
  • Certificates are to be multi-purpose, without stating the reason for use.
  • Affidavits are accepted when certificates from other departments are unavailable.
  • For nativity certificates, a birth certificate or five years of schooling in Kerala is sufficient.
  • For residence proof, documents such as Aadhaar, electricity bill, water bill, phone bill, or building tax receipt are acceptable.
  • For minority certificates, religion recorded in educational records is sufficient.
  • The Jeevan Praman biometric system can be used as proof of life for pensioners.
  • For One and the Same certificates, affidavits must be certified by a gazetted officer.
  • Names on ration cards are valid as family membership proof.
  • Caste details in educational records are accepted in lieu of caste certificates.

Despite these repeated orders, officials in several sections continue to demand outdated documentation, undermining the government’s goal of paperless governance, citizen-centric administration, and ease of access to public services.