Maharashtra Mandates Inclusion of Mother’s Name in These Government Documents

The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step by making it mandatory to include the mother’s name in all government documents. The decision, effective from May 1, 2024, was recently approved by the Maharashtra cabinet. This mandate covers various official documents, including birth certificates, school records, property documents, Aadhar cards, and PAN cards.

This move aims to enhance inclusivity and ensure the recognition of both parents in official records. The decision aligns with the evolving norms of family structures and acknowledges the diverse ways in which individuals may be identified. By making the inclusion of the mother’s name mandatory, the government seeks to promote equal representation and acknowledgment of the roles of both parents in official documentation.

Notably, in 2018, the income tax department had clarified that quoting the father’s name in PAN application forms would not be mandatory if the mother was a single parent. This decision recognizes various family structures and provides flexibility for individuals to choose the parent’s name they wish to furnish in the official documents.