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Navjeewan Sansthan

 

 

A House for abandoned or destitute children, an inspiration from "Mother Teressa"

 

Need of the Hour : Under the social economical conditions prevailing in India the child born out of wedlock is not acceptable either by the unwed mother or widow who has given birth to that child or by the putative father. The unwed mother is subjected to severe moral scrutiny and looked down as a cursed sinner. She is subject to boycott from all corners. No sympathy is given to her for the circumstance which lead her to unwanted pregnancy which may be either due to ignorance or due to false hope that putative father might enter into legal wedlock. This hope coaxes pregnancy to advance which after some time becomes un-abortable and is thus carried to full term secretly. The child thus born was thrown into sewage or was abandoned in a lonely place or in fences. Such children are abandoned for their no fault, they need a mother to care & love them. The caring mother can only share the sorrows with them. They are immediately required to be placed with family environment for their proper development and rehabilitation.

Besides, there are number of children in India, who are either orphans or destitutes. They not only have roof over their head and go to bed with hungry stomach but they are deprived of love, care which they need so much in their formative life. Specially destitute girls position is worse than boys. Unlike a son's birth, a girl child's birth does not evoke feeling of happiness and amusement. She is always considered as a liability, a burden and not a support. Even the girls feel a inferiority complex since she is considered no answer to her parent's aspiration. When either of parents die, such girls lead a miserable life. Not to say of their education, sometimes these girls are pushed into every possible earning activity. These girls require integration into society. They should get the basic rights to have food, shelter health education and safe future.

With a growing social concern and realization for these abandoned or destitute children, an urgent need was felt to protect such children and provide them love and affection and above all the milk of humanity. With this view, a charitable institution by name 'Navjeevan Sansthan' was formed.

Institution Profile : With a growing social concern and realization for these abandoned or destitute children, an urgent need was felt to protect such children and provide them love and affection and above all the milk of humanity. With this view, a charitable institutation by name 'Navjeewan Sansthan' was formed.

This institution was registered under Rajasthan Societies Act 1958 vide Registration No. 82/jodhpur/1988-89 dt.15-03-89 .Rajasthan government vide their order No. F-2/6/4/167452 dt.21-12-89, recognized and declared Navjeewan Sansthan a 'Fit Institution' to work for the welfare of abandoned and destitute children

Infastructure : The building has been constructed at a cost of about Sixty lakh rupees including cost of Land for the building and the play ground. The building has three floors (i) Basement (ii) Ground Floor (iii) First Floor (iv) Second Floor. For more detail visit our facilities section.

Management : The institution's affairs are managed by Executive Committee whose members are elected in its Annual General Meeting. Their term is for three years. The Executive Committee nominates one Sansthan Prabhari the chief functionary from amongst its members who is delegated with power to manage day to day affairs of the institution. The management committees consist of high ranking social workers, Doctors and philanthropists of the city

Finance : Our institution is aided by State Govt. The aid given of course in only 25-30% of the actual expenditure incurred by the institution. As per norms, institution is reimbursed 90% of the expenses against specified heads at the rates fixed by the govt. The philanthropists of Jodhpur have a very kind heart and they always support such cause. The donations received in cash are exempted under section 80G of Income Tax Act. The institution is also registered under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976 and hence is entitle to receive any foreign contribution.

About Units
The Sansthan has Two Units :
(1) Lavkush Bal Vikash Kendra : This unit is a foundling home (Shishugrih) for nursing abandoned new born children. These children as per norms can remain in the institute upto 5 years . in order that unwed mother o0r her relative can confidentially abandon the child without any embarrassment, a cradle ahs been installed on the front boundary wall of the building. Whenever a child is abandoned in this cradle, the electric bell switch is pressed by the beam of the cradle, giving a ring inside the building. The staff mother, on hearing the ring, will come and lift the child and take him to the living room for cleaning and visual examination. The child is named and his name is registered in our record. The child is clothed and immediately taken to hospital for diagnosis and medical treatment in our Ambulance which is always kept ready. Those children who are not abandoned in the cradle but thrown in big sewerage of at lonely places or in fences at villages, are brought by police to us. Such children are also accepted by the unit and given similar treatment as described above. In some cases, the unwed mothers or widows surrender their child due to some legal circumstance. Such children are also admitted in this unit by getting a surrender deed executed by the unwed mother and her accompanying mother/father is will explained and made to understand that the surrendered child could be taken back only within 3 (three) months from the date of surrender. If she does not reclaim her child during the above said period, our institution will be free to rehabilitate the child at its own discretion either in India or abroad.

(2) Gayatri Balika Grih : The second unit of Navjeewan Sansthan is a Destitute Home for girls above 5 years to 18 years age, named as Gayatri Balika Grih. The girls of unit No.1 who could not be taken in adoption, have been accommodated in this unit. Besides, the girls whose parents either both father and mother or any one of them, have expired and are poor and fulfills the definition of "Destitutes" as defined by the Govt. are also admissible in this big dormitories, one dress changing rom, one big block of facilities of toilets. Its basement has Library, Television, Music instruments and study rooms for use of these girls.

Besides housing to destitute girls, they are provided with free food, clothing, education and clean surroundings. All the girls are admitted in good reputed schools. The girls are t present going to schools by school bus or Taxi. The institution has now been provided a 14 seated vehicle by O.N.G.C. Ltd. And in future all the balikas will go to schools by our own vehicle. In the evening private coaching facilities by appointed teachers have been provided to them. The girls are also given vocational training in arts, crafts cooking and tailoring for which all facilities have been created. Bedsides, the elder girls are given Computer Training for which four computers fully equipped with necessary software are installed in a separate room. An expert instructor gives them training for one hour daily in the morning. All possible efforts are made to develop their characters and abilities to function as a self dependent and self-reliant. Two women wardens one for the day and other for night have been kept to look after the girls for their all needs.
 

Facilities : The Building has a big Hall, having Library and Study Room, Management Office, Two Stores, one Record Room, a big Dormitory for infants (0 to 5 years), two big Dormitories for girls (above 5 years age to 18 years), Pantery, Sick Room, Kitchen, Dining Room, Six Toilets, Superintendent's Room, Computer Room, One Dress Changing Room, Class room one quarter for night Warden.

Behind and attached to institution's building, there is around of 2100 sq. meters enclosed by high boundary walls all around. It has one badminton court, a number of wings, slides, merry-go-round, multi play system for entertainment and play for the inmates. A tube well has been dug from which sweet water is available, fruit trees have been planted near the walls and a big lawn developed. For regular light facility institute installed solar system.

All the children in hospital are given the best possible medical treatment by the child specialists. With each child, our staff mother remains as an attendant in hospital. A weekly check up all the children is done by a Pediatric Doctor. They are well nursed with an emotional bond in a humane, constructive, peaceful and healthy atmosphere by the staff mothers kept for this purpose. Besides, a staff nurse has been employed who does the routine check of children daily ensuring whether medicines specified by the doctor is given or not. When injections are prescribed she gives injection as required. Along with this our institution is well equipped with machines to take care of newly born baby.

Adoption : The primary aim of our foundling home is to create a climate for adoption as we consider it the best way of rehabilitating the abandoned and destitute children. The adoption activity is looked upon as a part of child welfare programme.

Inspired of traditional bias in favour of a male child, many couples are opting for a female child. Infect the girls child is seen doubly advantageous capable of being both a bread winner and source of emotional succour in old age. Therefore, all children except those who are physically or mentally handicapped or both, are offered for adoption to childless couples.

The procedure for adoption is to invite application in the prescribed form by the couple, which stipulate submission of certificates of infertility, annual income, character certificated, domicile certificate and property possessed by the couple. All particulars about couple's history is required to be narrated. They are to give an affidavit in this respect. The original application is sent to Kishore Kalyan board. Whenever the couple gests their turn, they are required to appear before the board for interview. On satisfaction of the Chairman, order for giving the child in pre-adoption Foster Care is passed and the child in foster care. They are then advised to file a case of guardianship in the family court. When guardianship is granted, couple is further advised to file a case for adoption in the District court.

After getting an order from District Court a deed of Registration is executed to give the child his right of inheritance same as if he/she is a biological child. This completes the process of adoption. The institution always try to remain in contact with the child in his new environment with adoptee parents and adopted child for two years. Our experience has been that the child in his new environment with adoptive parents, gets love, affection, warmth and grows very healthy. The child excels in his education and he achieves all round development.

In Country Adoption
1. Introduction : Different people adopt with different motives. Some people want to perpetuate their linage for providing security in old age and others childless persons has a consolation and relief in having a adopted child. The modern law and its purpose is also to rescue the helpless, the unwanted, the destitute or the orphan child and provide him with parents and a home.

The law of adoption enables a childless person to make some body else's child as his own. In modern Hindu law, an adoption has the effect of transferring the adopter from his natural family to that of his adopter's, confirming on him the legitimate natural born son's rights and privileges in the adopter's family.

2. Information for the Prospective Adoptive Parent : The following information will assist the adoptive parent in knowing the procedure of adoption so that he may not face any problem.

2.1 A child's Right to a Family : Every child has a right to grow up and develop in the love, security and warmth of a family atmosphere

2.2 Acceptance and Attitude in Adoption : Both the parents and their relatives must be accepting the new comer into the family. As and when the child reaches the age of understanding, the fact of adoption should be tactfully explained to the child and should never be kept a secret. The knowledge of adoption should be made a part of the child's growing up process.

2.3 Process of Adoption : The following process of adoption is prevalent in this institution. The prospective Parents are explained about the process and requirement of certain certificates. After understanding the process and when willing to go for adoption, they are given a blank application form having the proformas of affidavit, Infertility Certificate, Domicile Certificate, Income Certificate. It should be properly filled and above certificates attached certificates and documents to be submitted in duplicate to our institution along with two photos of the couple. One photo of marriage ceremony if available is also submitted. The infertility certificate should be from a senior Govt. Doctor who should examine the couple and certify that they do not have any infection disease and are having a good health. He should also write cause of infertility.

2.4 Approval & Interview : On receipt of an application it is scrutinized and if found in order it is registered and original sent to Kishore Kalyan Board with original documents. On the availability of a child, the couple is called for interview and identification of the child to be taken in adoption . On selection of a child, a letter is sent to C. J. M. cum chairman Kishore Kalyan Board mentioning the name of child selected by the adoptive parents. Since the children's court is held only on Monday, the couple is directed to appear in the court where the couple is interviewed by the C. J. M. and if approved, order is passed to give the child in pre adoption foster care on executing a bond. The couple is also directed to file application for guardianship of the child in family court. On confirming the guardianship, the couple is required to file an application in the District Court for adoption which when grantedm the couple is required to get it registered with the Registar.

2.5 Examination by Prediatrician : The prospective parents can bring their own pediatrician for examination of the child, they wish to adopt before making a final decision.

2.6 Court Procedure : The lawyer attached to the Institution will assist the couple for executing the bound for taking custody of the child for pre adoption foster care, filing applications seeking guardianship with Family Court and adoption in the District Court and then getting it registered with the Registar.

According to present law, Hindu can adopt a child under Hindu adoption & maintenance Act 1956 but Muslims and Chirstian can only be awarded guardianship[ under the Guardian & Ward Act 1890, if Muslims and Christian want to take the child, he will be given the child if an irrevocable trust is made in his/her name in order to safeguard the interest of the child.

2.7 Post Placement Reports and Visits : The adoptive parents shall send report about the development and health of the child after every two months for a period of two years. The child's photo may also be sent after every six month. The representative of our institution or member of Kishore Kalyan Board may visit at the residence of the adoptive parents after placement to find whether the placement is satisfactory or not. The parents are required to comply it.

2.8 Post Placement Guidance : The parents are welcome at any time to contact the institution for guidance even after adoption has been finalized legally.

2.9 No Payment : No payment is to be made to the institution for adopting a child. The lawyer of course will charge reasonable amount for the services he will give to the couple.

Annexure 'A'
(Documents to be submitted)
1. Home Study report of the adoptive Parents prepared by a professional worker. The Home Study report being a crucial document should broadly include the information as per sheet enclosed.
2. Recent photographs of foreign adoptive parents.
3. Marriage certificate of foreign adoptive parents.
4. Declaration concerning health of adoptive parents.
5. Certificate of Medical fitness of adoptive parents duly certified by a medical Doctor.
6. Declaration regarding financial status of adoptive parents along with supporting documents including employer's certificate. Where applicable.
7. Employment certificate if applicable of foreign adoptive parents.
8. Income Tax assessment order of adoptive parents.
9. Bank references.
10. Particular of properties owned by the adoptive parents.
11. Declaration from adoptive parents stating willingness to be appointed as guardian of the child.
12. Undertaking from the social or child welfare Agency to effect that the child would be legally adopted by the adoptive parents accordingly to the land of the country within a period not exceeding two years from the date of arrival of the child.
13. Undertaking from the adoptive parents that child would be provided necessary education and up-bringing according to the status of adoptive parents.
14. Undertaking from the sponsoring agency that report relating to progress of the child along with his/her recent photo would be sent quarterly during first two years and half yearly for the next three years in the prescribed Performa through Diplomatic Missions abroad.
15. Power of Attorney from adoptive parents in favour of officers of Child Welfare Agency in India which will be required to process the case in India.
16. Certificate form sponsoring agency to the effect that adoptive parents are permitted to adopt a child according to the law of the country.

Inter- Country Adoption (Foreign Adoption)
A - Procedure to be followed : Govt. of India on the basis of Supreme Court Judgment of February 1984, has laid down that the following requirements should be strictly followed.

i) Every application from a foreigner desiring to adopt a child must be sponsored by a social or Child Welfare Agency recognized or licensed by the Govt. of the country in which foreigner is residing and enlisted by CARA (Central Adoption Resource Agency) Ministry of Welfare, Govt. of India.

ii) The original application along with original documents as prescribed by the Supreme Court of India (see Annexure A) would be forwarded by the foreign enlisted Agency shall also send a copy of each of the application as well as all the prescribed document including Home Study report enclosed with it to the CARA duly notorised by Notary Public whose signature would be duly attested either by an officer of the Minister of External Affairs or Justice or Social Welfare of the country of a foreigner or by an officer of the Indian Embassy or High Commission or consulate in that country. The Home Study report should broadly include the following information.

1. Social status and family background.
2. Description of Home
3. Standard of living as it appears in Home.
4. Current relationship between husband & wife.
5. Development of already adopted children (if any)
6. Current relationship between the couple and members of each other's family.
7. Employment status of the couple.
8. Health details such as clinical tests, heart condition, past illness etc (medical certificate etc)
9. Economic status of the couple.
10. Accommodation for the child.
11. Schooling facilities.
12. Amenities in the Home.
13. Reasons for waiting to adopt an Indian Child.
14. Attitude of grant parents and relative towards adoption.
15. Anticipated plans for the adoptive child.
16. Legal status of the prospective adoptive parents.

iii) After receipt of the original application, the recognized Indian placement agency will register the name of prospective foreign parents and shall follow the prescribed procedure in getting the clearance from Voluntary Coordinating Agency and No Objection Certificate from CARA and process the case in the District Court for guardianship/adoption as the case may be.

iv) Adoption of Indian Children placed with Indian living abroad will be treated as in-country placement. However such Indian would have to follow the same procedure of sending their application documents etc through the recognized/licensed agency in that country as in the case of Inter-Country Adoption.

Annexure'A'
(Documents to be Submitted)
1. Home Study report of the adoptive Parents prepared by a professional worker. The Home Study report being a crucial document should broadly include the information as per sheet enclosed.

2. Recent photographs of foreign adoptive parents.
1. Marriage certificate of foreign adoptive parents. 
2. Declaration concerning health of adoptive parents.
3. Certificate of Medical fitness of adoptive parents duly certified by a medical Doctor.
4. Declaration regarding financial status of adoptive parents along with supporting documents including employer's certificate. Where applicable.
5. Employment certificate if applicable of foreign adoptive parents.
6. Income Tax assessment order of adoptive parents.
7. Bank references.
8. Particular of properties owned by the adoptive parents.
9. Declaration from adoptive parents stating willingness to be appointed as guardian of the child.
10. Undertaking from the social or child welfare Agency to effect that the child would be legally adopted by the adoptive parents accordingly to the land of the country within a period not exceeding two years from the date of arrival of the child.
11. Undertaking from the adoptive parents that child would be provided necessary education and up-bringing according to the status of adoptive parents.
12. Undertaking from the sponsoring agency that report relating to progress of the child along with his/her recent photo would be sent quarterly during first two years and half yearly for the next three years in the prescribed Performa through Diplomatic Missions abroad.
13. Power of Attorney from adoptive parents in favour of officers of Child Welfare Agency in India which will be required to process the case in India.
14. Certificate form sponsoring agency to the effect that adoptive parents are permitted to adopt a child according to the law of the country.

Donation : The purchase of land and construction of magnificent building, play ground and all facilities have been possible on account of social support of Philanthropists of the society who have provided financial support to our institution. Different people provide support to institution in different ways. You can support by providing goods in kind. Others donate cash. The collective impact of society action has helped the institution to make a change in the lives of abandoned & destitute children.

The donations received in cash are exempted under section 80G of Income Tax Act. The institution is also registered under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976 and hence is entitle to receive any foreign contribution. So come and donate whatever you can for these children.

Contact US : Navjeewan Sansthan, 16/558, Chopasni Housing Board, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342008, India, Tele : 0291-755068/756868, Fax : 0291-742596, Email : info@navjeewansansthan.org
 

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Navjeewan Sansthan
16/558, Chopasni Housing Board, Jodhpur, Rajasthan-342008, India
Tele : 0291-755068/756868, Fax : 0291-742596, E-Mail : info@navjeewansansthan.org

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