Adoption Queue & Child Welfare: India's Ongoing Challenge

Over 2,000 children await adoption in India, with West Bengal leading in numbers. Most prospective adoptive parents prefer younger children, which can increase waiting times. Meanwhile, a significant percentage of children under five are stunted or malnourished, highlighting pressing child welfare concerns.

In India, more than 2,000 children are waiting for adoption, with West Bengal topping the list, according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Minister Savitri Thakur highlighted that the preference for younger, healthier children often leads to prolonged waiting times in the CARINGs portal.

Data revealed that out of 13.75 crore children under five, only a fraction are registered in anganwadis, with alarming rates of malnutrition observed. Thakur noted that 39.09% of these children are stunted, reflecting a dire nutritional challenge.

The minister also informed Rajya Sabha that women's help services are now integrated with emergency support, handling millions of calls. Fast-track courts are actively addressing cases under the POCSO Act, contributing to child safety and justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)