The newly constituted Consultative Committee of Ministry of Women and Child Development holds its first meeting

 

The newly constituted Consultative Committee of the Parliament attached to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development held its first meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting was on ‘Adoptions, Adoption Processes and Reforms that are required’ and was chaired by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi. In her introductory remarks, the Minister highlighted the reforms being carried out in the system of adoption to make it easier for parents to adopt a child. The Minister said that major reforms which are being carried out, will enable the prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) to get a child within a period of maximum of 4 months. To increase transparency, the entire process is now made online and a time limit has been defined for each step involved in the process of adoption, she added. Smt. Maneka Gandhi said that these reforms are sought to be carried out with the help of the Juvenile Justice (Protection and Care of Children) Bill 2014 which has already been introduced in the Parliament. Apart from the Bill, the adoption guidelines are also being modified. The Minister explained that it would be possible for each of the PAPs already registered with CARA to get a child by April, 2015, once these reforms are carried out. 

 

The Members of the Consultative Committee pointed out the various difficulties and lacunae and lack of transparency in the adoption process which has delayed adoption in several cases for up to 4 years. They also highlighted the need for a close post-adoption follow up. The Minister appreciated the suggestions by the Members and assured that these suggestions will be incorporated. 

 

Among the Member who attended today’s meeting include Smt. K Maragatham(MP), Smt. Pratima Mondal (MP), Smt. R. Vanaroja(MP), Smt. Bimla Kashyap Sood (MP), Smt. Kanak Lata Singh (MP), Smt. Sarojini Hembram (MP), Smt. Sasikala Pushpa (MP).