Government penalises adoption agency Mother’s Hope

Dimapur, Sep. 21 (EMN): The government authorities have withdrawn the recognition given to ‘specialised adoption agency’ Mother’s Hope for “repeated default.” The department of Social Welfare issued to the media on Sep. 21 a copy of an order declaring closure of the adoption home. ‘The license for Mother’s Hope (specialised adoption agency) 7th Mile Model village, Dimapur, Nagaland to run as a specialised adoption agency is revoked for repeated default, failure to comply with the instruction and direction of state government and child protection services and failure to adhere to the JJ Act, 2015,’ the notice stated. These are the grounds the department listed out: “Adverse findings of the officials ministry of Women and Child Development (sic), inspection team from the central government, and the National Advisory Committee, State Inspection Committee, the Joint Action Committee regarding the functioning of the specialised adoption agency.” ‘Non-compliance of instructions issued from time to time by the state government concerned.’ The notice also cited IPC 186: “Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment of either for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or both.” Likewise, the notice stated IPC 188: “Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.” “Whereas Mother’s Hope had been given enough time and consideration since the year 2015 to rectify their shortcomings and adhere to the rules and regulations, however the home has failed repeatedly to respond and comply with the notices issued,” the government stated. “It is hereby notified to all the public that the state government has revoked the license of Mother’s Hope 7th Mile Model village, Dimapur, Nagaland as a specialised adoption agency and has shut down the said home vide order No.SW/16/ICPS-37/2013 dated 29th July 2019.” Any adoption from Mother’s Hope from now on will be treated as illegal, and with immediate effect, the order stated.