SRINAGAR: As many as 42 children from Jammu and Kashmir were adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) during 2025-26, according to data tabled by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
The figure places JK below most larger States in the number of adoptions recorded through CARA during the financial year. Rajasthan recorded 172 adoptions, while Maharashtra had the highest number at 792, followed by Karnataka at 377 and Gujarat at 547.
No adoption was recorded through CARA in Ladakh and Lakshadweep during 2025-26, according to the State/UT-wise data.
The Ministry said 795 Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) had been approved under the Mission Vatsalya scheme across States and UTs as of July 29, 2026. States and UTs have been advised to establish at least one SAA in every district under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Adoption Regulations, 2022.
All SAAs are mandatorily onboarded onto the integrated CARINGS-Mission Vatsalya system, enabling digital processing of adoption cases, including referral, matching and documentation. The system is monitored through real-time dashboards at Central and State levels.
The Ministry said the District Magistrate has been empowered to issue adoption orders under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Adoption Regulations, with timelines prescribed for various stakeholders.
To reduce delays and improve transparency, CARA has digitised the adoption process end-to-end through the Adoption Module on the Mission Vatsalya portal. Regular monitoring and follow-up are undertaken with States, UTs and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with prescribed timelines.
The Ministry said the waiting period for prospective adoptive parents depends primarily on the availability of children declared legally free for adoption by Child Welfare Committees and the age group preferred by prospective parents.
Under Mission Vatsalya, the Government also supports SAAs where adoptable children below six years of age are provided residential care.
The Centre said nationwide information, education and communication activities, along with local outreach programmes, are being conducted to promote legal adoption and foster care. CARA also organises workshops, seminars and orientation programmes and uses print, electronic and social media platforms to spread awareness about legal adoption procedures.
