CRS Data Reveals Massive Undercount in Covid Deaths

CRS Data Reveals Massive Undercount in Covid Deaths

Why in the News ?

Recently released CRS and SRS data for 2021 indicates a significant undercount of Covid-19 deaths in India. Over 21 lakh excess deaths were recorded, far exceeding the official Covid-19 death toll of 3.32 lakh, raising serious data concerns.

CRS Data Reveals Massive Undercount in Covid Deaths

Key Findings from New Data Releases:

  • Civil Registration System (CRS) reported 02 crore deaths in 2021, up by 21 lakh compared to 2020.
  • This is six times the official Covid-19 death toll of 32 lakh in 2021.
  • World Health Organization (WHO) earlier estimated 47 lakh excess deaths in India during 2020-21.

  • Sample Registration System (SRS) and Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) further corroborate the spike in fatalities.

States with High and Low Undercounting

  • Maximum under-reporting: Gujarat (2.63 lakh excess), Madhya Pradesh (2.09 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (4.07 lakh).
  • Minimum under-reporting: Kerala, Goa, Delhi, and Meghalaya showed relatively accurate reporting.

  • Death registration rate improved from 70% in 2013 to 92.4% in 2019, likely even higher by 2021.

Implications and Limitations

  • Excess deaths (21–22 lakh) suggest real Covid toll was at least five times higher than official figures.
  • Only 23% of deaths were medically certified; among them, 20% attributed to Covid-19.
  • Though simplistic excess death estimates, the data indicates official figures understate actual impact.
  • Missing SRS data for 2020–21 limits full understanding but shows clear need for data transparency.

History and Role of Civil Registration System (CRS) in India :

●     1886: Central Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registration Act introduced voluntary registration.

●     1969: Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act made registration mandatory and aimed for uniformity and vital statistics.

●     Registrar General of India (RGI) coordinates registration nationally; State Governments implement it.

●     CRS records actual registered births/deaths, but not causes of death.

●     2020 CRS reported 81.16 lakh deaths, about 4.75 lakh more than 2019.

●     SRS provides estimates based on surveys, CRS is a subset.

●     Registration rates rose due to awareness, legal mandate, Aadhaar linkage, bank accounts, and welfare schemes.

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