New nationwide directions
CARA strengthens adoption procedures across India: The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued fresh directions to streamline and strengthen adoption procedures across India. These guidelines are aligned with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, amended in 2021, and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
The move aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and child safety in adoption processes. It also focuses on preventing irregularities and safeguarding children’s identity and rights.
Static GK fact: CARA functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development and is the nodal body for adoption in India.
Mandatory due process
A key directive is the strict enforcement of due process before declaring a child legally free for adoption. Authorities must conduct proper inquiry, tracing of biological parents, and restoration efforts within a fixed timeline.
For children who are surrendered, a mandatory two-month reconsideration period has been introduced. This ensures that biological parents have sufficient time to reconsider their decision.
These steps aim to reduce wrongful declarations and ensure that adoption remains a last resort after family restoration efforts fail.
Record management rules
CARA has emphasised robust record preservation mechanisms. All adoption-related records must be securely maintained and transferred, even if institutions shut down.
Importantly, records cannot be destroyed or made inaccessible unless permitted by law. This ensures long-term traceability and legal clarity in adoption cases.
Such measures are critical for maintaining institutional accountability and protecting the rights of adopted children.
Protection of child identity
The guidelines impose a strict prohibition on disclosure of a child’s identity. States have been directed to conduct sensitisation programmes and enforce penal action for violations.
This step reinforces the principle of confidentiality and dignity in adoption. Protecting identity prevents social stigma and safeguards the emotional well-being of children.
Static GK Tip: Child protection and confidentiality are key principles under international conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), 1989.
Legal framework of adoption in India
India’s adoption system is governed by multiple laws. The JJ Act, 2015 is the primary legislation for adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children.
The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 applies to Hindus and allows full adoption rights. In contrast, Muslims and Christians follow the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, which provides only guardianship, not full adoption.
Institutional mechanism
At the national level, CARA regulates both in-country and inter-country adoption. It operates in line with the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by India in 2003.
At the state and local levels, adoption is supported by State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA), Child Welfare Committees (CWC), and District Child Protection Units (DCPU).
These bodies collectively ensure the implementation of adoption laws and protection of children.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
CARA strengthens adoption procedures across India:
| Topic | Detail |
| Nodal body | Central Adoption Resource Authority |
| Ministry | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
| Key law | Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (amended 2021) |
| Regulations | Adoption Regulations, 2022 |
| Reconsideration period | 2 months for surrendered children |
| Record rule | Mandatory preservation and legal transfer |
| Identity protection | Strict prohibition on disclosure |
| International link | Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993 |
| Supporting bodies | SARA, CWC, DCPU |
