A one-day state orientation and training programme for Mission Vatsalya functionaries and stakeholders was held on August 13, organised by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) in collaboration with the Department of Social & Tribal Welfare, Ladakh, and the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Ladakh.

In his address, CEC LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the resource persons, Director Social & Tribal Welfare UT Ladakh, Tashi Dolma, and the CARA team for bringing such an important training programme to Kargil.

He lauded their efforts in raising awareness about the legalities and procedures of adoption, calling the initiative a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and welfare of children without parental care. Drawing on his expertise as a maternal and child health specialist, Dr. Akhoon spoke about the challenges of child upbringing, the essential needs for healthy development, and the moral responsibility to extend the same care to children without parents.

Reflecting on Kargil’s traditions, where orphaned children are often cared for by relatives, he stressed the importance of identifying and supporting children with no parental care so they can receive the security and opportunities that only a family can provide. He assured that LAHDC Kargil would extend full support to such noble initiatives.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, also addressed the gathering, congratulating CARA and the Department of Social & Tribal Welfare for conducting the training in the district. He pledged full support from the district administration, noting that every child deserves a better quality of life, and legal adoption offers a structured and compassionate path to achieve it.

The day-long programme provided an in-depth analysis of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021), with a focus on adoption provisions under the Adoption Regulations, 2022. Participants were trained on the legal process for declaring a child legally free for adoption, timelines and documentation requirements, and the roles of CARA, Child Welfare Committees, District Magistrates, and other authorities.

The sessions also covered procedures for identifying orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children, ethical practices to prevent illegal adoptions and trafficking, and the importance of transparency, accountability, and fostering a positive adoption culture. Interactive lectures, presentations, and discussions created an engaging learning environment.

The event was attended by Director Social & Tribal Welfare UT Ladakh, Tashi Dolma; District Child Protection Officer, Samina Khatoon; Accounts Officer, Mohd Hussain; Dr. Jalil; resource persons; and members of Mission Vatsalya functionaries and stakeholders.