The birth certificate is the first right of the child towards establishing its own identity. A birth certificate is an official document which helps to record the birth of the child. Earlier, this process was not systemized in India, but after 1969, registration of birth became compulsory under the registration of births and deaths act. The birth certificate is very important and contains the details of the child born; later, it is used as an identity proof and proof of the date of birth of a person. It is an authentic document printed on a special paper with a multicolored seal embossed, which is a symbol of authenticity, and if the seal, in any case, is not present on the document, the agency has full rights to interrogate the candidate regarding the source of the certificate. The birth certificate is used as a date of birth proof for issuing documents like the AADHAR card, PAN card, voter ID card, passport. It even require when you apply for marriage certificate to prove your age. Different states in India have different rules and norms regarding issuing the birth certificate, but some details are the same all over India.
Registration is a vital tool for the government as well to keep a record of the number of births per year. It might be needed for the collection of data and vital statistics. It is essential for the national planning of the government for child care facilities.
BENEFITS AND IMPORTANCE OF REGISTRATION
1) For admission in schools and colleges
2) Proof of age of a person at the time of employment
3) Necessary for issuing a marriage certificate
4) To establish parentage
5) Insurance purposes
6) Date of birth proof for participation in electoral rolls
7) Registering in National Population Register (NPR)
8) Required for government surveys like census
9) Access to other personal records of a person
10) Domestic or international adoption
11) Issuing of driver’s license, passport and other government issued identification
WHO CAN REGISTER THE BIRTH OF A CHILD?
The head of the house or the closest relative or the oldest person in the family can do the registration of a child. In case of other possibilities if the birth has taken place away from the house, the superintendent of the hospitals or office in charge of the hospital , or the headman of the local village if no other relation is found can also register the child.
HOW CAN ONE APPLY FOR A BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
The birth certificate can be obtained through both online and offline means. When registering offline, one can get a birth certificate registration form from the district registrar’s office. Fill the form and submit it to the registrar. Once the verification is successful, the birth certificate is issued.
NECESSARY DETAILS MENTIONED IN THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE
1) Full name(first, last and middle)
2) Registration number provided
3) Age, gender, race
4) Parent’s names, ages, place of birth
5) Name and address of attending physician
6) Lastly, the date and place of birth are required.
Birth certificates can be issued by the official state or also the city government, which are officially authorized to issue such documents. Hence, it is very important for you and your family members to get their birth certificates issued to avoid any inconvenience later.