India is considering easier adoption rules for NRIs

New Delhi, Feb 22, 2005

The government is considering a proposal to ease rules to allow non-resident Indians (NRI) who have retained Indian passports to adopt children in the country.

"A proposal to exempt NRIs with Indian passports from having to seek clearance from Voluntary Coordinating Agencies (VCAs) for adoptions is under consideration," Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meera Kumar said here Tuesday.

"Deliberations at the meet on this issue will facilitate an early decision in this regard," she said while inaugurating a two-day annual meet on adoption.

Kumar said adoption had emerged as a means for strengthening the rights of children and fulfilling the needs of parents, but sometimes illegal practices led to exploitation.

Organised by the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), the meet is expected to frame a strategy for preventing illegal adoptions and focus on other issues pertaining to adoption, including by NRIs.

Kumar said she would soon write to chief ministers of more populous states to set up necessary infrastructure for promoting adoption.

The issue of delays in juvenile courts on adoption would be taken up with the law ministry, she said.

Social Justice and Empowerment Secretary Sarita Prasad called for making adoption procedures simple and transparent. She said the central government is keen that all states vigorously take up adoption schemes.

So far, only Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have adopted the "Sishu Griha Scheme" for adoptions within the country. (IANS)

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