_*Indian Government Declares Final Deadline for Birth Certificate Applications – Mandatory for All Citizens*_ _The Indian government has announced April 27, 2026, as the last deadline for citizens, including senior citizens, to register or update their names in birth certificates._ _Post this date, no further updates will be permitted, making the birth certificate a mandatory identity document for accessing government services, education, travel, and employment._ Universal Requirement: . Birth certificates will replace school documents, Aadhaar cards, and other proofs for all government-related works, including admissions, passports, voter registration, and marriage certificates. . Senior citizens and those without existing records must apply before the deadline to avoid legal complications. Simplified Process for Late Registration: . Individuals with unregistered births (older than 15 years) can now submit applications at municipal offices or tehsil offices without court intervention. . Required documents include school-leaving certificates, 10th/12th mark sheets, passports, ration cards, or Aadhaar cards. Community-Specific Focus: . Surveys indicate 75% of elderly Muslims lack birth or marriage records. The new rule aims to bridge this gap by easing documentation requirements. Legal Backing: . The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, enforced nationwide since October 1, 2023, empowers district collectors and SDMs to oversee registrations. Why is This Urgent? . School certificates are no longer valid as birth proofs. Only government-issued birth certificates will be accepted. . Post-April 2026, no exceptions will be made for missing documents, affecting access to critical services like healthcare, property rights, and international travel. _*#zalengamtimes*_