Recognizing Mothers in Indian Documents

Mother’s Day Special

Recognizing Mothers in Indian Documents: A Step Toward Inclusive Identity
By Dr. Anindita Roy (PhD)

This Mother’s Day, let’s reflect on an often-overlooked aspect of identity—how official documentation in India recognizes mothers.

Sometime ago, while setting up a fundraiser on one of India’s major crowdfunding platforms, I ran into an unexpected obstacle. A friend’s daughter had reached out—her mother, my friend, was critically ill and bedridden. She couldn't sign any documents, and the platform required proof of relationship between the daughter and her mother.

To our dismay, most of her documents only listed the father’s name. That moment was an eye-opener: How does one prove a relationship with their mother when systems still default to the father’s identity? It set me on a journey to explore how Indian documentation handles maternal identity—and where it still falls short.

Where Do We Stand Today?

Here’s a look at where mothers' names currently appear—or can appear—in official documents in India:

1.   Birth Certificates – Include both mother’s and father’s names.

2.   Aadhaar Card – Mother’s name can be added, especially for children, but it's optional.

3.   School Certificates (10th/12th) – Most boards now include the mother’s name.

4.   Passport – Offers fields for both parents’ names; commonly filled but not mandatory.

5.   PAN Card Application (Form 49A) – You can choose which parent’s name appears on the card.

6.   Voter ID (EPIC) – Now allows inclusion of the mother’s name.

7.   Ration Card – Lists family members; mothers are named based on household roles.

8.   Government Scholarship Forms – Typically ask for the mother’s name.

9.   Driving Licence Application – Parental details may include the mother’s name.

10.                College/University Admission Forms – Routinely include mother’s name.

11.                Bank KYC (Minors) – Often requires the mother’s name.

12.                Health Insurance Documents – Include both parents when covering dependents.

13.                Online Birth Registration Portals – Contain scanned birth certificates with full maternal details.

 

Why This Matters

This experience made me realize how identity—something we often take for granted—can become a barrier. The absence of a mother’s name from vital records can delay aid, complicate legal processes, or even deny rightful benefits.

While the inclusion of mothers’ names has become more common in recent years, it’s still not consistent. Many systems haven’t fully adapted to recognize maternal identity as fundamental—not optional.

This isn’t just about documentation. It’s about how we define family, recognize caregiving, and uphold equality. Acknowledging mothers in our official records isn’t a courtesy—it’s a necessity. On this Mother’s Day, let’s advocate for an India where every mother is visible, valued, and officially recognized.

Mother and Daughters

Mrs Manjula Ghose , Dr Anindita Roy, Ms Bidisha Som, Dr Suranjana Ghose