Major reforms in adoption procedure: Maneka Gandhi

Major reforms being carried out by the central government will enable prospective adoptive parents to get a child within a period of maximum of four months, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said here Monday.

Briefing the newly-constituted consultative committee of parliament attached to the ministry, she highlighted reforms being carried out in the system of adoption to make it easier for parents to adopt a child.

An official release said the meeting was on "Adoptions, Adoption Processes and Reforms that are required".

Gandhi said that to increase transparency, the entire process has now been made online and a time limit has been defined for each step involved in the process of adoption.

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 parliament.

Apart from the bill, the adoption guidelines are also being modified.

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 four years, the release added.

They also highlighted the need for a close post-adoption follow up. She appreciated the suggestions by the members and assured that these suggestions will be incorporated.