Q. Which organization among the following is tasked with regulating adoption agencies and ensuring that adoption processes are conducted transparently and, in a child-friendly manner, both for Indian residents and non-resident Indians residing abroad?
Explanation – The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal body for adoption in India. It is responsible for regulating adoption in the country, and ensures that adoption processes are conducted in a transparent, ethical, and child-friendly manner. Both Indian residents and non-resident Indians can adopt a child through CARA. The organization maintains a database of children eligible for adoption, and also provides counseling and support services to adoptive parents and birth parents.
It is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). It was established in 1990 under the Juvenile Justice Act, 1986.
Adoption is governed by two laws in India — the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. CARA plays a role in the adoption under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Source: ForumIAS
