Which is the most important document in our life? It would be Property documents or Qualification Certificates or Insurance policies or Share Certificates or Marriage certificate or Fixed Deposit certificates etc. There will be many answers depending on person's state of mind or circumstances. Back to the middle of 20th century and earlier, people were least bothered their birth date because, there were no questionable use of it, except a few people like Govt. servants, Teachers, Defense personal etc. Others, majority of people, only aware that they are living in their locality moving here and there and doing some kind of job or business.
Why s/he should prove that they born in a particular date, and what is so big about remembering it? Why there should be a documented evidence?
Entire things have been changed within the past 30 to 40 years; where ever you go, you will stuck if you are unable to produce proof for DOB, a new mobile connection, a new bank account, request a service from govt. offices, every where an authenticated document of DOB to be produced. Birth happens at a place, would be hospital, home, train, car, flight or ship... It has to be documented by an authority for further references.
How to Register Birth?
In India, birth is documented or registered as per the "Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969" by Registrars (Secretary or some one in-charge) who is generally a part of LSG office close to where the birth happens ie., Panchayat / Municipality / Corporation offices. These offices receive evidence and details periodically from the person or institution witnessed the birth and documented to their register. Based on the details found on this register, they issue Birth certificate to parents or local guardian.
What is Birth Certificate?
Once birth has been registered in an office, they can issue certificate to the same upon request. Birth Certificate is a authoritative document stating that concerned person is born on this particular date and at this place. It will have the details of Person's name, Gender, Parent's names, Parent's permanent address, Registration number, Registration date, issuing date and office details of LSG with signature and office stamp of the Registrar.
Proof of Birth Required for Passport Application
Passport authority accepts one of the three documents listed below:
- Birth certificate issued by a LSG offices (Panchayat / Municipality / Corporation) or any office authorized to issue Birth and Death Certificate by the Registrar of Births & Deaths.
- Secondary School Certificate (SSC) / Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) / Certificate of Recognized Boards from the school last attended by the applicant or any other recognized educational institution.
- Affidavit sworn before a Magistrate / Notary stating date / place of birth as per the specimen in Annexure 'A' by illiterate or semi-illiterate applicants (Less than 5th class).
