PARENTS WILL NOW HAVE TO RECORD THEIR RELIGION SEPARATELY WHILE REGISTERING FOR THEIR CHILD’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE. THIS WILL APPLY TO ADOPTION AS WELL.

The Home Ministry has drafted Model Rules requiring parents to record their religion separately when registering a child’s birth, a departure from previous practices where only the family’s religion was noted. This rule also extends to adoption procedures. However, it mandates state governments to formally adopt these rules for them to take effect. The move follows the passage of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023, enabling birth certificates to serve as a single document for various purposes, including admission to educational institutions and obtaining a driving license. The legislation also facilitates digital registration and electronic delivery of certificates, aiming to establish national and state-level databases to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public services. Additionally, it mandates the collection of Aadhaar numbers from parents for birth registration.