In a significant update, parents of newborns will now have to specify their individual religions in the birth report, a departure from the previous practice of declaring the family's religion. This change is in line with the new Model Rules introduced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. State governments must adopt these rules before they can be enforced. Additionally, individual religion details of parents will also be required for adoption purposes.

Moreover, a national-level database will be established to maintain records of births and deaths. This database could potentially streamline various other services, including Aadhaar numbers, property registrations, ration cards, electoral rolls, passports, and driving licenses, along with the National Population Register (NPR).

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was recently passed in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha approved the bill on August 1 and August 7, respectively. Effective from October 2023, the Birth Certificate will serve as the primary document for accessing essential services such as education enrollment, obtaining a driver's license, voter registration, Aadhaar enrollment, marriage registration, and government employment.

Commenting on the new Act, the Home Ministry stated, "It will facilitate the creation of a database of registered births and deaths, ensuring efficient and transparent delivery of public services and social benefits through digital registration."

The Central Government has officially declared October 1, 2023, as the date for the provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, to come into effect.

This move aims to streamline record-keeping processes and enhance the efficiency and transparency of public services. By mandating the inclusion of separate religion details for parents in birth reports, the government aims to ensure accurate data collection and facilitate smoother adoption procedures.

With the establishment of a national-level database for births and deaths, various government services can be better coordinated and accessed. This database will serve as a comprehensive repository, potentially simplifying procedures for obtaining important documents such as Aadhaar cards, passports, and driving licenses.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023, signifies a significant step towards modernizing administrative procedures and embracing digital registration systems. By recognizing the Birth Certificate as the primary document for accessing essential services, the government is streamlining bureaucratic processes and reducing paperwork for citizens.

This proactive approach by the government underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for the efficient delivery of public services. The designated date for the implementation of the new provisions underscores the government's determination to expedite the adoption of these reforms and enhance governance practices across the country.

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