The three DCPOs were "verbally" warned and asked to step up surveillance of special adoption agencies (SAAs) and NGOs dealing with adoption, besides the state-run homes, Minister for Health and Social Welfare Shashi Panja said today.
"The DCPOs of these three districts have been warned verbally. They have been asked to improve their performance, step up surveillance and visit these homes frequently to keep a tab on the activities there... Next time, they will be show-caused," she added.
According to the minister, the state has already stepped up vigilance of the homes and child welfare committees (CWCs). The district child protection units have been directed to visit the homes, NGOs and SAAs.
The department has also decided to check the licences of NGOs to verify their authentication, Panja said, adding that she would meet the CID sleuths to take stock of the situation.
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The state has also decided that from now on, municipalities and local police would verify the details of NGOs dealing with children and tallying their registration and operational activities, she said.
Stressing on awareness of the common people about the adoption process, Panja said irregularities at the Joka Millennium Old Age Home and Rehab Centre surfaced when last year, documents submitted by its owner Bimal Adhikari were found to be "full of flaws".
The CID has arrested Adhikari for his alleged involvement in the child-trafficking racket busted in Baduria in North 24 Parganas district.
Ten infants were rescued from 'Purbasa', a home for the elderly and mentally challenged persons in the Thakurpukur area of the city, and the daughter of co-accused Putul Banerjee held earlier in this connection, was arrested.
With the CID busting the racket, it had come to light that newborns were being smuggled to other states as also abroad inside cardboard boxes meant for biscuit packaging.