Kozhikode: The general public is yet to get acquainted with the online adoption procedures. Though the e-mode came into being in August 2015 along with new transparent procedures, the prospective adoptive parents (PAP) have raised many complaints.
Now, all PAPs must register with the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and upload documents within the stipulated time. The grievances are related to registration, uploading files, non-answering toll free number and the lack of computer knowledge. For an emotive issue like adoption, many feel the online process is too impersonal.
“It is welcome that the entire thing is becoming transparent. But many a time, the procedures do not work out as mentioned on the website. PAN is a must for PAPs. Non-receipt of SMS/e-mail on time is another issue. Also, the staff at Akshaya centres, where many go to fill up applications, have no idea about it,” complains A. Soman of Nellikode, a prospective adoptive parent. Sensing the trend, the district child protection unit in Kannur has planned an awareness drive in October. “The new system is yet to reach the public. Even the office-bearers of an organisation of childless couples in Kannur do not have an idea,” says M. Anju Mohan, district child protection officer.
According to sources, the Social Justice Department is planning to conduct awareness programmes in all districts. “It’s just the issues during the transition phase. The new system is a path-breaking one as it has eradicated the agency-lawyer-doctor nexus in adoption. Earlier, there were many instances of specialised adoption agencies charging huge amounts from PAPs and giving them preference,” said an official at SJ department.
