NT Reporter
Ponda
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi said
children are the country’s real wealth and that the dream of a strong India
can be realised only by ensuring education, health facilities, proper upbringing and a safe environment for every child.
Annapurna Devi, while speaking at the All India Arbhakalay Conference held in Ponda, said the upbringing and rehabilitation of orphaned and destitute children is a sensitive issue, but added that the adoption law has made the process more accessible and transparent. She said that while adopting a child, due consideration should be given to the regional, religious and cultural background of the adoptive family to ensure an appropriate handover.
The conference was organised as part of the ‘Seva Suvarna’ initiative by Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Matruchaya Sanstha, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Representatives of 68 organisations from across the country working in the field of care and upbringing of orphans and infants participated in the two-day national conference held at the Shri Shantadurga Shankhwaleshwari Devasthan at Veling, Ponda.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the process of caring for orphaned children is extremely sensitive and organisations like Matruchaya handle it with dedication and compassion. He said the intention of adoptive families and their background must be thoroughly verified and added that while children can stay in orphanages till the age of 18, their financial security and future prospects thereafter must be ensured.
Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said every child is a national asset and stressed the importance of initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Minister for Women and Child Development Vishwajit Rane said the government has consistently supported Matruchaya and would continue to extend support to issues related to child care and adoption.
Matruchaya president Shrinivas Dempo outlined the work of Matruchaya, while the programme was moderated by Subhash
Bhosale.
