AP Child Rights Panel Seeks End to Mandatory Father’s Name in Official Records

The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) has recommended removing the mandatory requirement for a father's name in government applications, official records and certificates wherever it is not required by law. The commission has made it clear that no child should be deprived of education, scholarships, identity documents, welfare benefits or essential services because their father's name is not available.

The recommendation was discussed at a state-level consultation organised jointly by the Children of India Foundation and APSCPCR at Swarna Palace in Vijayawada. Commission chairman Vetukuri A.V.S.S.N. Raju, who attended as the chief guest, said every child has independent rights, dignity and identity, irrespective of their parents' marital status or family background.

Referring to Articles 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 16 and 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Raju stressed the importance of protecting children's rights to equality, identity, privacy, education and freedom of expression.

He pointed out that the existing documentation requirements often create difficulties for children raised by single mothers, unmarried women, widows, divorced women and legal guardians. Children of survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation also face similar challenges. The absence of a father's name can become an obstacle when applying for birth certificates, school admissions, scholarships, identity documents and welfare schemes.

The commission has proposed allowing mothers' or legal guardians' details wherever a father's name is not legally mandatory. It also wants government departments to modify application forms, databases and online portals accordingly. Officials at district, mandal and field levels should receive clear instructions, while grievance mechanisms must be established to address service denials. Raju cautioned that repeated questioning about family circumstances could expose children to humiliation, psychological distress and discrimination.

Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Rayapati Shailaja called for coordination among government departments to issue a comprehensive Government Order (GO) ensuring equal opportunities for all children. The consultation also emphasised appointing nodal officers and preparing a time-bound implementation plan.