Dog Issued Residential Certificate in Bihar: Administrative Lapse Goes Viral

If you find yourself baffled by this residential certificate, you might want to take a moment to collect yourself. This document, which has set social media abuzz, reflects a truly unusual turn of events—one that, some online users jest, marks a new era of equality: “Humans and animals, all the same in this progressive state!”

The incident comes from Masauri block in Bihar’s Patna district, where a residential certificate (Nivas Praman Patra) was astonishingly issued to a dog. The certificate showed a photograph of the canine applicant and was duly signed by revenue officials, just like any human resident. According to the document, the applicant’s name is “Dog Babu,” with “Dog Father: Kutta Babu” and “Dog Mother: Kuttiya Devi” listed. The certificate even noted the dog’s address as Kauli Chak, Ward Number 15, Masaurhi.

Once the certificate went viral online, the matter quickly attracted public and administrative attention. It was revealed that this residential certificate had been issued via the RTPS (Right to Public Service) counter on July 24th and carried the digital signature of a revenue officer. Social media users poked fun, saying, “Today, a dog received a residential certificate. Tomorrow, maybe a donkey or a bull will get one too.”

Following the public uproar, the Patna district administration took immediate steps. The controversial certificate was revoked from the RTPS portal, and the digital signature of the official was removed. The administration even released an official statement: “A case has come to notice in the Masaurhi circle where a residential certificate was issued in the name of a dog. As soon as the matter was brought to attention, the certificate was cancelled. FIRs are being filed against the applicant, the computer operator, and the issuing officer. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Masaurhi has been ordered to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report within 24 hours. Strict disciplinary and departmental action will be taken against all those found guilty.”

Patna District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan has also assured the public that stern action will be taken against the responsible staff.

This incident, while bizarre, throws light on potential lapses and carelessness in the government’s documentation process—raising questions about the seriousness with which such important tasks are being handled. Critics argue that such mistakes undermine the very purpose of public welfare initiatives and create an atmosphere of distrust in administrative processes.

So, how did such a glaring error occur, and who is truly accountable? The investigation is ongoing, as are debates about improving oversight and ensuring such incidents do not recur.