Gangtok, March 8 -- The Government of India has introduced significant changes to passport regulations, aimed at enhancing security, streamlining processes, and ensuring greater privacy for citizens. Below are the key modifications that applicants should be aware of:

Mandatory Birth Certificate Requirement

Effective October 1, 2023, a birth certificate will be the sole official document accepted as proof of date of birth for individuals born on or after this date. The certificate must be issued by the Municipal Corporation, the Registrar of Births and Deaths, or any other authority designated under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

For individuals born before this date, alternative documents such as extracts from service...