Maha requires mother’s name on government documents

In a significant development, the Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has made it compulsory to include the mother’s name in all government documents. This decision comes after the recent launch of the 4th Women Policy on International Women’s Day. Children born on or after May 1, 2024, will have their mother’s name listed along with their father’s on official records.

The new directive includes a mandate for educational documents, revenue documents, pay slips, service books, and application forms for exams to feature the child’s name, mother’s name, father’s name, and surname. The state Public Health Department is in discussions with the Central government to make amendments to birth and death registers as per the Cabinet’s instructions.

Under the updated system, married women will have their names listed before their husband’s in official records. Moreover, women will now have the option to include their maiden name in property documents. Additionally, provisions for registration exemptions for orphans and special cases will be implemented as well.

This move by the Maharashtra Cabinet aims to promote gender equality and ensure the recognition of mothers in official documentation. The decision reflects a step towards acknowledging the important role of mothers in society and providing them with equal representation in government records.