Dr. Baljit Kaur Directs Officials to Ensure Legal Adoption Process for Children
Illegal Adoptions to be Curbed — Minister Orders All Government and Private Healthcare Institutions to Report Such Cases Within 24 Hours
Chandigarh, June 9:
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making continuous efforts to ensure the welfare and protection of children. As part of this commitment, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has issued strict directives to the concerned officials to ensure that the process of adoption for orphaned and destitute children is conducted strictly as per the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This is to guarantee a safe, loving, and dignified environment for every child.
Emphasizing the importance of child welfare, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that it is a collective responsibility to safeguard the lives of children from 0 to 18 years and provide them with high-quality services. Every child deserves a secure, affectionate, and respectful environment, and it is essential that the adoption process is always carried out through legal channels to fully protect the child’s future, rights, and legal interests.
The Cabinet Minister pointed out that it has often been observed that unwed mothers or parents, who are unable to care for their children and wish to surrender them for adoption, first approach hospitals, nursing homes, or doctors. Similarly, prospective adoptive parents also tend to contact these establishments. Therefore, it is crucial that all healthcare institutions (both government and private) and medical professionals are made aware of the legal adoption process to prevent any form of illegal adoption. This will help protect the rights of children and safeguard them against risks such as trafficking and exploitation.
Taking serious note of the matter, Dr. Baljit Kaur has instructed all government and private healthcare institutions in the state that if any such case arises, they must report it within 24 hours to the Child Helpline 1098, the nearest police station, the Child Welfare Committee, the District Child Protection Unit, or a registered Child Care Institution. This will ensure that the adoption process is carried out through proper legal procedure.
The Minister further stated that if any government or private institution is found violating the legal adoption procedures or concealing such information, provisions have been made for a punishment of six months imprisonment, a fine of ₹10,000, or both.
She also informed that detailed information regarding the legal process for child adoption is available on the department’s website: www.sswcd.punjab.gov.in. Additionally, adoption-related information can also be accessed on the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), New Delhi’s official website: carings.wcd.gov.in.
