The Indian government has initiated a big change in laws concerning passports by making it mandatory for the applicant to furnish a birth certificate. The change is designed to improve identity verification and rationalize the passport application process. Here is all the information regarding the new requirement and its implications for the applicants.
New Birth Certificate Requirement for Passports
Under the revamped passport rules, the government has made the submission of a birth certificate mandatory as proof of date of birth for all applicants. Thus, the rules apply to any person, young or old, who is applying for a fresh passport or a renewal. Earlier, there were many documents which the applicants could present to prove their age, namely school certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc. But now, with the latest modification, the birth certificate is the first and one only document accepted for verification of age.
Who Will Be Affected by This Rule?
The new provision therefore mandates from first-time applicants and those in the process of renewing passports. Those who had previously used alternative documents for birth will now have to obtain an official birth certificate. This rule will apply to Indian citizens, whether they want a standard, diplomatic, or official passport.
Why the Change?
The introduction of the new rule aims to fast-track identity verification and make the date-of-birth records consistent. A birth certificate is considered a much more trustworthy document as compared to other identification documents that might contain some discrepancies. With the introduction of this new law, government aims to contain instances of fraudulent applications and fast tracking of passport processing.
How to Get a Birth Certificate for Passport Application?
An applicant without a birth certificate may approach the municipal corporation or panchayat office in his or her place of birth to obtain one. Those born before India’s mandatory registration of births (before 1989) will have to apply for a late registration or get a birth affidavit; whichever is warranted by government regulations.
Conclusion
The new passport rules lay emphasis on accuracy of birth records. Applicants are advised to check their documents accordingly and obtain their birth certificate beforehand to avoid any consequential delay in their passport application. The expected result is enhanced efficiency and security in issuing passports in India.
