Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 2 : India has achieved a significant milestone in child adoption, recording 4,515 adoptions during the financial year 2024-25, marking the highest figure in the last 12 years, according to official data released by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

Out of the total adoptions, 3,950 were domestic, while 565 were international, reflecting a growing global interest in adopting Indian children. Experts have attributed this positive trend to streamlined adoption procedures, enhanced awareness campaigns, and a supportive legal framework.

The previous highest record was in 2012-13, with 4,354 adoptions, making the current achievement a crucial step towards providing permanent families for children in need. Officials noted that this surge signifies a strong return to pre-pandemic adoption levels, which had seen a significant dip during the COVID-19 crisis.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. According to CARA, over 33,000 prospective adoptive parents are currently registered, while only around 2,141 children are legally available for adoption. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for reforms in child welfare policies to ensure more children are legally cleared for adoption.

Government officials have expressed optimism, stating that ongoing efforts to simplify the adoption process and enhance the accessibility of the system will further boost adoption rates. They have also emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and ethical practices throughout the adoption journey.

The record-breaking figures have been welcomed by child welfare organizations across the country, who believe that the momentum should be sustained through consistent policy improvements and awareness programmes.