In pursuance of the provisions of Section 69 of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children

## Report on Reconstitution of the Steering Committee of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Women and Child Development regarding the reconstitution of the Steering Committee of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The notification, issued on August 12, 2021, and published in the Gazette of India on August 13, 2021, details the updated composition of the Steering Committee, including the names, designations, and terms of its members. The core purpose of this reconstitution appears to be to ensure effective oversight and guidance of CARA, in accordance with Section 69 of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Key findings highlight changes in membership, representation of various stakeholders, and the ex-officio nature of several positions. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of the Ministry of Women and Child Development's notification regarding the reconstitution of the Steering Committee of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), as published in the Gazette of India on August 13, 2021. The analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification pertains to the reconstitution of the Steering Committee of CARA, originally established under Section 69 of The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (2 of 2016). * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to ensure effective governance and oversight of CARA through a revised committee structure, as mandated by the Juvenile Justice Act. **4. Background and Rationale:** * This is an amendment of the committee's constitution. The notification explicitly states that the Steering Committee of CARA is being "reconstituted." This suggests a periodic review and update of the committee's membership to ensure relevant expertise and representation. The likely reason for this specific amendment is to ensure the committee reflects current needs and priorities in the field of adoption. The amendment may reflect the expiration of previous terms, the need for fresh perspectives, or a shift in priorities within CARA's operations. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification details the changes in the composition of the Steering Committee: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** This notification directly amends the membership structure of the CARA Steering Committee. It replaces the previous structure with a new one. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new rule/provision is the specific list of members, their designations, and their terms of service on the Steering Committee, as outlined in the provided text. This includes ex-officio members (those holding positions by virtue of their office) and members representing specific organizations and perspectives (e.g., adoptive parents, adoptees, legal experts, and representatives from various adoption agencies). * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The difference lies in the specific individuals and organizations now represented on the committee. The effect is a potentially altered distribution of influence and expertise within the Steering Committee, which could impact its decision-making processes and the direction of CARA's policies and programs. The addition of representatives from specific State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) and Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) from different states suggests a greater emphasis on regional perspectives. The inclusion of an adoptive parent and an adoptee directly incorporates the lived experiences of those involved in the adoption process. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders affected by this reconstitution include: * The members of the newly constituted Steering Committee. * The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and its staff. * State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs). * Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs). * Prospective adoptive parents. * Adopted children and adoptees. * The Ministry of Women and Child Development. * Organizations involved in child welfare and protection. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the primary responsible agency. CARA, under the guidance of the Steering Committee, will also play a crucial role in implementation. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The term of service for the non-ex-officio members is two years, effective from the date of publishing of the notification. No other specific timelines or procedures are detailed in this text. * **(Amendment-Specific Implementation):** The reconstitution takes effect immediately upon publication of the notification. Existing members are replaced, and the newly appointed members assume their responsibilities. The transition process would involve briefings and handover of responsibilities to ensure continuity. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome of this reconstitution is likely to enhance the effectiveness and representativeness of the Steering Committee. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, such as those of adoptive parents, adoptees, and representatives from different regions, is expected to lead to more informed and balanced decision-making. This could result in improved policies and programs related to adoption, ultimately benefiting children in need of care and protection. * The inclusion of specific SAA and SARA representatives might streamline the adoption process across different regions, addressing local challenges more effectively. **9. Conclusion:** The reconstitution of the Steering Committee of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), as detailed in this notification, represents a significant step in ensuring the effective governance and oversight of adoption processes in India. The changes in membership, the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, and the two-year term for non-ex-officio members indicate a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness within CARA. This reconstitution is likely to have a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of adoption procedures, ultimately benefiting children and families involved in the adoption process.

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