‘Children of the State’ initiative brings hope to orphaned kids

The Himachal Pradesh government’s “Children of the State” initiative has emerged as a beacon of hope for orphaned children, with successful adoptions and continued welfare support. Between January and April 2025, five children were adopted under this scheme, with Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap personally overseeing the adoption process in Shimla.

Children have not only been adopted from Himachal Pradesh but also from states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Adoption procedures are currently ongoing for three more children, who are in the mandatory two-month pre-adoption care period with prospective parents.

DC Kashyap has appealed to well-off citizens to adopt children from orphanages and child care institutions, stating it would ensure a brighter future for them. “The state government is fully committed to the welfare of underprivileged children,” he said. Presently, Himachal Pradesh supports nearly 4,000 children through the “Children of the State” program, acting as both parent and guardian.

To strengthen child welfare, the government has launched the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, under which 13 child care institutions are operating in Shimla district. Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to implement such a comprehensive scheme. The Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Kosh further ensures quality living standards, education, and long-term security for these children.

Additionally, the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana has been introduced to support children of widows, single mothers, divorcees, and persons with disabilities. This scheme provides for their education, healthcare, and nutrition until the age of 27.

Shimla District Programme Officer Mamta Paul noted that adoptive parents are selected based on merit and legal eligibility. Protection Officer for Non-Institutional Care, Pratibha Rathore, explained that Indian citizens, NRIs, and foreigners may adopt, subject to compliance with Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) guidelines.

Adoption is open to married couples, single parents, and individuals under specific conditions. Couples must be married for at least two years, both must consent, and adoptive parents should not have life-threatening illnesses. There must be at least a 25-year age gap between the child and adoptive parent. A single woman may adopt a boy or girl, while a single man may adopt only a boy. Financial stability is mandatory.