📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Form of this certificate was the R&S-61 (est. July
National
India Drops Father’s Name Requirement in Child Birth Certificates, New Advisory Issued
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 04 Sep 2026, 09:04 AM
👁 2
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new advisory for birth and death registrars, stating that a child’s name can now be registered without the father’s name. The change aims to simplify the registration process and reduce administrative delays.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released an advisory on Tuesday for all birth and death registrars across India. The directive removes the requirement to include the father’s name on a child’s birth certificate, allowing parents to register the newborn with only the mother’s details if desired.
The change follows a review of the registration process that highlighted frequent delays and errors when father’s information was not readily available. By eliminating the mandatory field, registrars can issue certificates more swiftly and reduce the paperwork burden on new parents.
Officials say the advisory will take effect immediately, and all registrars are instructed to update their forms and training materials. The move is part of a broader effort to streamline civil registration and improve access to essential documentation for all citizens.
Parents and civil society groups have welcomed the decision, noting that it will particularly benefit families where the father is absent, unknown, or unwilling to provide details. The ministry will monitor the implementation and report on any impact on registration timelines.
The change follows a review of the registration process that highlighted frequent delays and errors when father’s information was not readily available. By eliminating the mandatory field, registrars can issue certificates more swiftly and reduce the paperwork burden on new parents.
Officials say the advisory will take effect immediately, and all registrars are instructed to update their forms and training materials. The move is part of a broader effort to streamline civil registration and improve access to essential documentation for all citizens.
Parents and civil society groups have welcomed the decision, noting that it will particularly benefit families where the father is absent, unknown, or unwilling to provide details. The ministry will monitor the implementation and report on any impact on registration timelines.