Mamata supports Charity’s decision to withdraw adoption services

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee sided up with Missionaries of Charity, who have decided to withdraw all adoption services after fresh guidelines from the Centre.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee sided up with Missionaries of Charity, who have decided to withdraw all adoption services after fresh guidelines from the Centre, by tweeting her support for the charity.

Chief minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee attends a chief ministers conclave in New Delhi.(Sonu Mehta/ HT File Photo)

“We fully support Missionaries of Charity and Sister Prema in their decision to opt out of adoption programme. They have a right to do so.” Mamata Banerjee tweeted.

“Essence of India is unity in diversity. This is the pillar of our great nation,” she added in her tweet.

According to sources, the chief minister is unhappy over recent developments involving the Missionaries of Charity founded by late Mother Teresa.

The West Bengal chief minister’s statement came after the union government recently threatened to de-recognise institutions that failed to follow new adoption rules, including Missionaries of Charity. Recently Union women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi said the homes do not want to “come under a uniform secular agenda”.

Missionaries of Charity maintained its decision to withdraw all adoption services throughout the nation.

“Our stand is clear. All adoption services, be it local, national or even international have been withdrawn. The decision was taken in August after new rules came up and it is maintained till date,” said Sunita Kumar, spokesperson for Missionaries of Charity.

Meanwhile, the state government had earlier requested the Charity to reconsider their decision. But government officials stated that if the organisation maintained its decision, it has the freedom to do so and it will support it.

“Our adoption work, started by Mother Teresa, has been a fruitful and rewarding experience which has changed the lives of thousands of people. We are grateful to God for having allowed us to serve Him through this work for so many years. It is clear to us that it is the will of God to discontinue this work,” the statement issued by the Missionaries of Charity said.

According to sources, Missionaries of Charity has reservations allowing adoption by single parents and couples who have been divorced. It was since August that Nirmala Sishu Bhawan (homes for children run by Missionaries of Charity) stopped the adoption process.