INDIA'S ADOPTION TRENDS SHOW A SHIFT TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY

"India has witnessed a significant shift in adoption preferences among childless couples under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA).

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Over the past two years, there has been a notable inclination towards adopting female children, breaking the traditional preference for male children. Punjab emerges as a frontrunner in this trend.

The data presented by the Centre, as shared by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, vividly demonstrates a departure from a trend deeply rooted in ancient Vedic traditions.

Despite 10 states failing to provide the required adoption data under HAMA as mandated by the Supreme Court on November 20 last year, the ASG presented records from 11 states showing a total of 15,486 adoptions between 2021 and 2023.

According to data from the Centre, adoptive parents showed a preference for adopting girls, with 9,474 girls being adopted compared to 6,012 boys. However, the favoured age range for adopted children remained below six years, regardless of gender.

Statistics from the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) reveal that 69.4% of registered prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) opt for children aged 0 to 2 years, while 10.3% prefer children aged 2 to 4 years, and 14.8% choose children aged 4 to 6 years.