India, Nov. 28 -- The Maharashtra government has ordered the cancellation of all birth certificates issued solely on the basis of an Aadhaar card, declaring that Aadhaar will no longer be accepted as a valid document for delayed birth registrations.

The decision comes amid a statewide crackdown on a racket involving fake birth and death certificates, allegedly used to obtain government benefits, capture land, and compromise national security.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the government would take strict action against those involved. "Fake birth and death certificates are being misused to gain benefits, seize land, and even endanger national security. We will not tolerate such racketeering," he said.

According to the ...