Panjim: Though the online marriage registration process, launched on November 16, gave further digital push, it was ridden with glitches. The online system has put several applicants, especially those who had opted for advance manual appointments, in a fix, with the Sub-Registrar offices directing them to apply afresh for the new date.

However, the authorities, while acknowledging the initial teething problems, have said that the system is now going smooth. It also maintained that the priorities are given to those applicants, who had opted for manual appointments, on uploading of the required documents.

In Goa, around 10,000 marriages are registered annually. As per the earlier procedure, the applicants had to visit the sub-registrar office with the required documents to seek appointment for marriage registration.

Since it was a new initiative, the staffers too, seemed to be confused over use of the system in the first two days. Several couples, who had opted for manual appointments from November 16 onwards, had to return back without registering their marriage, only to apply afresh, online.

“I had taken a manual appointment for November 18. However, when we came here, we were informed that the appointment does not stand valid and will have to apply online for a new date,” said, a to-be-bride, who travelled from Sanguem to Panjim (groom place).

She was however, happy that soon after uploading the documents, she managed to get the appointment on the same afternoon.

There were many others, who had to go back, after they failed to get the appointment for the day, despite uploading the documents. “Mine was a second signature. But I failed to get the date despite completing online formalities. There were already others who had opted for appointments that day,” another applicant said.

There were many other problems that applicants had. For instance, a lot of applicants couldn’t get their online process cleared due to a technical flaw while filling in their details. They added that there should have been some kind of system to help the people and explain to them how to go about the applications. Secondly, others pointed to the difficulties they face as they don’t have access to online facilities and that by making the process online only and removing the manual option entirely, it has created a burden for them. They added how they had difficulties scanning and uploading their documents. Further, they point out that on the online website, it says documents like the registration certificate are valid only for one month when otherwise, such fresh documents like birth certificates are valid for six months.

When contacted, Law Minister Nilesh Cabral said that since the system is new, there would be teething problems. “But now, everything is going on smoothly. We are however, trying to further fasten the process, so that the applicants don’t have to face problems,” he said.

Cabral urged all those who had opted for manual dates, to reapply via an online mode for the appointments.