It's almost official - single men and live-in couples will soon not be able to adopt in India. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is set to notify a new set of guidelines for adoption, which are fat stricter about couples who are not married, and single men.

They also specify the age at which married couples and single women can adopt.

The reaction of single men and live-in couples has been mostly disappointment, with many saying that while each case should certainly be evaluated thoroughly, why impose a blanket ban like this?

Why a blanket rule?

I agree, they have every right to be anxious about this, considering all the strange cases of rape and etc we hear almost everyday. But then, they need to evaluate these things on an individual-to-individual basis. It cannot be a blanket rule. We've tried to adopt and failed. The child can benefit too, you know. If I adopt a child, I can give him/her a good life. Why should the government take away that right from the child?

- Leena K, in a live-in relationship

It makes sense

I think this decision makes sense, because single men are not as responsible as women. And you do need a female companion to take care of kids.

- Sahil Mehta, debutant actor ("Love Express")

So surrogacy's ok?

This is funny, because surrogacy is OK in India. I was reading about a gay couple who came from a foreign country to become surrogate parents in India. But I don't understand why we can't relax adoption rules so that we can help the millions of children in our own country who are literally dying each day in many foster care homes. Follow-ups strict karo. Be harsh on anyone who has adopted and is not found adhering to the standards set by the government. But let people adopt. It'll prevent ill-treatment of orphaned children.

- Mridul, in a live-in

Two-sided sword

This rule is a two-sided sword. From our point of view, the rule is not fair, but perceptions differ. Yes, we live in a country where people believe in certain things. But the more rules you add, the more they'll be broken. I believe that it is an individual choice. These days, people don't want to get married, yet want a family. There are children who don't have parents, what about them?

- Jackky Bhagnani, actor

This isn't right

This is not the right decision. You know, it is a great thing to adopt a child and hence take responsibility for it. Recently, a friend of mine adopted a baby girl and he takes proper care of her. Although I don't have any plans of adopting a child now, but in the future, if ever I plan to adopt, I'll be happy to do it and also, it will be a matter of pride for me.

- Rajat Barmecha, actor

Will get worse

Adoption is already so complicated in India, and now these new guidelines are going to make things worse. If someone is earning well and can give the child a proper education and a good life, then rather than dissuading them, he/she should be encouraged to do so.