Aims and Objectives

1. The objective of the present guidelines is to provide a sound basis for adoption within the frame work of the norms and principles laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the series of judgments delivered in L.K. Pandey vs. Union of India and Others between 1984 and 1991.

2.  Adoption undoubtedly offers an important avenue for the care and protection of an abandoned, destitute or neglected child in a family setting and provides an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding for the realization of his/her talents and potentials. It carries with it all the emotional, physical and material security necessary for the proper development of the child and also serves as the most reliable means of preventing situations associated with the abuse, exploitation and social maladjustment of abandoned, destitute and neglected children.

3   The Government of India, in pursuance of its constitutional mandate, has evolved a National Policy for the Welfare of Children. The thrust of this policy is summed up in the following words:

"The nation's children are a supremely important asset. Their nurture and solicitude are our responsibility. Children's program should find a prominent part in our national plans for the development of human resources, so that our children grow up to become robust citizens, physically fit, mentally alert and morally healthy, endowed with the skills and motivations needed by society. Equal opportunities for development to all children during the period of growth should be our aim, for this would serve our large purpose of reducing inequality and ensuring social justice."

4  There has been equally great concern for the welfare of children at the international level culminating in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20th November, 1989. Thereafter, in various international fora conferences and seminars, this subject of child welfare has continued to be constantly debated.

5   The National Policy for the Welfare of Children also stresses the vital role which the voluntary organizations have to play in the field of education, health, recreation and social welfare services for children and declares that it shall be the endeavor of the state to encourage and strengthen such voluntary organizations.

Latest regulations  governing adoption of Indian children may be seen in the website: http://www.adoptionindia.nic.in