In a significant decision, Delhi government today decided to abolish 200 types of affidavits, which are required for different documents - ration cards, income certificate, transport permits - from December 1 and replace it with self-attestation.

The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Arvind Kejriwal today at Delhi Secretariat here.

According to government, it is the "biggest" relief for the people of Delhi as they had to face a lot of difficulties while getting different certificates and the move will make general public to apply for services easier, without harassment and costs reduced due to abolition of these affidavits.

Briefing about the Cabinet's decision, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that several affidavits were just for "formalities" which were burden on people due to which they have to face a lot of difficulties.

"Today, government has given its nod to abolish 200 types of affidavits sought by various departments. From December 1, affidavits will not be required for different types of certificates," Sisodia told reporters here.

In the application form, there will be an option of self-attestation and thereafter, people will not need to get their documents attested with MLAs, gazetted officers from December 1, the Deputy CM said.

200 types of affidavits, which are now required for transport permits, income certificate, marriage certificate, ration cards, SC/ST certificate, Domicile certificate, buildings, business, death and birth certificates, will not be required from the next month.

Asked about misuse of the government's move, Sisodia said, "In the coming days, we will ensure that if someone gives false information in his or her application form, government will take strict action against such person.

The Deputy CM said that government has decided to go ahead with only 40 types of affidavits and of them, 20 affidavits comes under Centre and the remaining affidavits fall under state government.

The government's decision to abolish 200 affidavits will cover major public dealing departments like directorate of education, Revenue department, Transport department, Food, Supply & Consumer Affairs department, Legal Metrology department, department of Excise, Entertainment & Luxury Tax, Irrigation & Food Control department, Land & Building department, Social Welfare department, Women & Child department, chief registrar birth & death, directorate of local bodies (three MCDs) and Delhi Police.