Punjab is set to redefine the landscape of child adoption with a groundbreaking initiative that aims to place every destitute and orphaned child into a loving family. The State Government is rolling out adoption agencies in every district, paired with the creation of 172 new posts to enhance the adoption infrastructure.
At a state-level training program on Adoption Regulation, 2022, held at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute for Public Administration in Chandigarh, the state’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Tuesday unveiled this ambitious plan. She highlighted the Government's dedication to orphan care and announced a significant financial boost — an annual grant of Rs 26 lakh to NGOs involved in the adoption process.
Dr Baljit shared that this initiative has already borne fruit, with over 300 children successfully adopted through the Department's efforts, finding new families and a fresh start in life.
To streamline the adoption process further, she urged the Additional Deputy Commissioners to expedite applications and instructed Civil Surgeons to address any issues with registering adopted children's birth certificates, ensuring no child faces bureaucratic delays.
The Minister also emphasized the creation of support groups for adoptive parents, aiming to provide counseling and guidance throughout the adoption journey. The move is designed to prepare prospective parents for the challenges of post-adoption life, ensuring a smoother transition for both families and children.
Special Chief Secretary Raji P Shrivastava reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening the adoption process, with Director Dr Shena Aggarwal offering detailed insights into the new procedures. Minal Lal, an adoptive mother, also shared her heartwarming story, illustrating the profound impact adoption has had on her family's life.
The training event saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including Additional Deputy Commissioners, Chief Medical Officers, and representatives from the Mission Vatsalya Scheme. Their collective efforts aim to ensure that every child in Punjab finds a place to call home, marking a hopeful new chapter for the state's most vulnerable children.