Andhra Pradesh reviews proposal to drop mandatory father name in state papers

UPDATE - follow-up to Andhra Pradesh weighs making father's name optional in official documents: Officials, child rights groups, the AP Mahila Commission and NGOs discussed dropping the mandatory father's name requirement in official state papers during a consultation in Vijayawada on Tuesday.

Views and Support

The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights organised the event alongside NGOs Children India Foundation and HELP. Commission Chairman Vetukuri A.V.S.S.N. Raju stated the body supports making the father's name optional, especially to protect children of sex workers, divorced couples and orphans. AP Mahila Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja added that rigid rules should not force students to quit school or lose job chances. Representatives from social welfare and women development departments noted their offices already do not force this requirement.

Departmental Review

Officials from education, health, judiciary and other departments urged the government to check legal results and frame rules that put children first. District Legal Services Authority Secretary M.K. Vijaya Lakshmi and other agency leaders also attended the talks. Commission members plan to submit final recommendations to the state government.

Context

Official paperwork rules in India often require paternal details by default, which can cause severe hurdles for families without a present father. Removing this barrier aligns with broader child welfare goals to secure basic rights and documentation for vulnerable youth.