Government Introduces Birth and Death Registration Amendment Bill 2026 in Lok Sabha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday introduced the Birth and Death Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing major reforms to modernize India's civil registration system. The legislation aims to digitize birth and death records nationwide, curb document fraud, and make birth certificates the primary proof of age and identity for several official purposes.

One of the key provisions of the Bill introduces stricter rules for delayed registration. If a birth or death is registered between one and two years after the event, written approval from the District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or an Executive Magistrate will be mandatory.

For registrations delayed by more than two years, the matter will have to be referred to a court. In such cases, a First-Class Judicial Magistrate's order will be required before a certificate can be issued. Authorities will also be required to conduct detailed verification to prevent fraudulent registrations.

The proposed law seeks to establish a centralized digital database for birth and death records across India. This database will be integrated with other government systems, including voter rolls, ration cards, passports, and national identity records, enabling seamless updates across departments.

The government believes the integration will simplify several administrative processes. Citizens turning 18 could be added to electoral rolls more efficiently, while the names of deceased individuals could be removed from official records promptly, helping reduce errors and misuse in government welfare schemes.

Another significant feature of the Bill is that the birth certificate will become the single primary document for age verification. It will be used for school and college admissions, obtaining a driving licence, applying for government jobs, and other official purposes where proof of age is required.

According to the government, the digital registration system will also make it easier for citizens to obtain or download birth and death certificates online, reducing paperwork, minimizing visits to government offices, and improving transparency while curbing corruption.

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