Rajasthan Birth Certificate Update: Name and Surname Changes Now Require Gazette Notification; Government Tightens Regulations

The Government of Rajasthan has introduced significant changes to the process of amending names in birth certificates. According to the new directives, changing a child’s middle name or surname (last name) will no longer be as simple as it was previously. The reliance on mere affidavits has been scrapped, and a Gazette Notification is now mandatory for most corrections.

New Regulations: Mandatory Gazette Publication

Mukesh Kumar, District Registrar (Birth & Death) and Deputy Director of the Economics and Statistics Department, stated that these measures have been implemented to prevent the misuse of records and to maintain the authenticity of official documents.

• Middle Name and Surname Changes: For residents of Rajasthan, any change to a middle name or surname in a previously issued birth certificate can now only be processed based on a notification published in the Rajasthan Government Gazette. For residents of other states, a notification in the Central Government Gazette will be required.
• Complete Name Change: If parents wish to change the child’s entire name, publication in the Official Gazette is now legally mandatory. The old system of using a simple notarized affidavit for such changes has been completely abolished.

Simplified Process for Adding Surnames

The Registrar clarified that there is a slight relaxation for cases where only a first name was initially recorded. If parents wish to add a surname where none existed:

1. They must provide documentary evidence/proof of the father’s or mother’s surname.
2. A simple affidavit (on plain paper) must be submitted.
3. Based on the provided evidence, the parent’s surname can be appended to the child’s name without a Gazette notification.

Impact and Objective

Previously, minor corrections or surname additions were frequently handled through a basic affidavit. By mandating a Gazette notification for full name changes and middle name revisions, the government aims to ensure that only genuine and necessary alterations are made to the permanent record. This brings the birth certificate amendment process in line with international documentation standards.

Public Advisory

The department has appealed to the general public to ensure they follow the new guidelines strictly when applying for any amendments. Citizens are advised to verify all details carefully at the time of birth registration to avoid the legal complexities and the lengthy process of Gazette publication later.

Disclaimer: This news report is based on the official directives issued by the Department of Economics and Statistics, Government of Rajasthan. For detailed information regarding the legal process, fees, and Gazette publication, please contact your nearest E-Mitra center or the District Registrar’s office.