New Rules for Name Correction in Birth Certificates in West Bengal, Learn the Details

Correction in Birth Certificates: From now on, names on birth certificates cannot be corrected at will. The West Bengal Health Department has issued new guidelines in this regard, which have been sent to all districts and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. These new rules have been introduced after complaints of irregularities in name corrections from various districts. Let’s find out the details.

Why these new rules?

According to sources in the Health Department, there were allegations of irregularities in the case of name correction in birth certificates from different districts of the state. This strict step has been taken to prevent this irregularity. The Union Health Ministry had also warned about the irregularities in birth certificates. Basically, although there was an opportunity for name correction in a few specific cases, many were misusing it. The new directive will help stop such irregularities.

What is stated in the new rules?

The new directive mentions a few important points that the general public needs to know:

• If the name is not registered: If a child’s name is not registered at the time of birth and needs to be added later, a specific guideline must be followed.
• In case of parental divorce: If the parents are divorced, the child’s registered name cannot be changed or amended.
• Typographical error: If there is a mistake in the spelling of the name or a typographical error, it can be corrected only after submitting certain documents.

Who is this directive for?

This new directive has been sent to the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), District Magistrate (DM) of all the districts of the state, and the Commissioner of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. As a result, from now on, all work related to birth certificates will have to be done according to this new rule.

Advice for the general public

Here are some important tips for those who are thinking of correcting the name on their own or their family members’ birth certificates:

• Provide correct information: Provide the correct information while registering the child’s name at the time of birth, so that there is no need for correction later.
• Keep documents organized: If for any reason a name correction is required, keep all the necessary documents organized.
• Know about the new rules: Before applying for a name correction, get well-acquainted with the new rules.

It is hoped that the issuance of these new rules will make the process related to birth certificates more transparent and error-free. The harassment of the common people will be reduced and the scope for irregularities will also be closed.