Couples want to adopt girl child: Data

INDORE: The latest case of a parent abandoning a girl infant recently in Mhow might not have come as a shocker for many given the fact that Madhya Pradesh records a poor child sex ratio of (0-6 years) 923 females against 1,000 male (in rural MP). But the fact that more girls have been adopted in the recent past lends a healing touch to the worrying trend. According to the official figures of adoption and pre-adoption in the city, parents in Indore during last one year have preferred adopting girls over boys. In charge of the various adoption agencies confirm the fact. Child development project officer (CDPO), Woman and Child Development department, K C Pandey informed that from the four Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) authorised agencies in Indore, 18 girls (aged between 0 and 6 yeas) were adopted against 14 boys during 2013-14. In charge at the Jyoti Niwas Missionary of Charity said that that though both boys and girls in equal number were given for adoption from their centre, demand for girl child was higher. "Couples mostly want to adopt a girl child and they are even willing to wait to get one. Though it is not that male child is neglected or not adopted but parents show an affinity for girls in case of adoption, which is a good sign," said the in charge not wanting to be quoted. At the Jyoti Niwas, eight boys and seven girls were adopted between April, 2013 and December, 2013.Three children were adopted from Sanjivani Sewa Sadan and all were girls. Senior announcer at the All India Radio (AIR) Madhu Kaur, a single mother, has adopted a three-year-old child last year from the State Child Protection Home. Kaur said that it was almost like getting a new life. The AIR employee who is retiring next year, said, "I am having the best time with my daughter. I have never regretted not being married but I think my daughter will be the best companion for the rest of my life. When I was asked by the officials why am I adopting a girl child, the answer was simple that I always wanted to be a mother to a girl."Asha Singh of Sanjivani Sewa Sadan adoption agency said that it is healthy sign. "It is good that girls are preferred here otherwise we normally hear of families abandoning girls," she said. In Matruchhaya adoption centre, six girls were adopted against two boys.