Promote self-attestation of documents: Govt tells states

New Delhi: The Centre has written to states asking them to promote self-attestation of documents in place of notarised and gazetted officer-signed affidavits required for majority of government-related works.

Terming it a good governance initiative, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh today said introducing a single, self-attested affidavit would go a long way in simplifying processes and revolutionising governance in the country.

"It is one of the good governance initiatives taken by the government. We are promoting self-attestation of documents in place of affidavits. We have written to states and sought their views too," Singh said.

The government is yet to come out with an official order in this regard. "The intent of declaration has been made very clear. We cannot give any timeline for it (implementation of self-attestation of documents)," Singh told reporters here after inaugurating two-day symposium on 'Excellence in Public Service and Public Administration' here.

He said the government need to focus on maximising and simplifying governance.

"It has been our endeavour to ensure maximum governance and minimum government. We will continue to simplifying government processes," the Minister said.

At present, an individual has to spend about Rs 200-500 to get a notarised affidavit, whereas, getting a certificate or affidavit from a gazetted officer remains a herculean task for common man, especially those living in remote areas of the country.