India amends adoption rules to give equal rights to all

The Central government has amended laws to grant non–Hindus full rights for adopting children, and to enjoy the full parenthood that Hindus have. Until now they only could be guardians of adopted children. The decision of the government has ended the long–standing discrimination in the country.

The guidelines issued under the Juvenile Justice Act 2000 stated, the rules significantly increases the “legal rights of both adopted children and the couples who give them a home."

Adoption in India has been guided by the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act for Hindu couples and Guardian and Ward Act (GAWA) for non–Hindu couples. Officials said that children adopted under GAWA had faced difficulties in claiming parental properties, particularly in the absence of a will.

A local news reported, the new amendments would also put foreign parents at par with the Hindu parents. "The changes aim to more sharply define and widen the ambit of the Act, protect juveniles from harsh punishment and provide for better treatment in juvenile homes," it quoted.

The guidelines say that all "types" of adoption will be dealt under the Act and rules framed by Central Adoption Resource Agency.

The agency will govern all matters related to adoption. The adoption process will be made easier and guidelines also pay attention to those children who cannot be placed under adoption.