In a bid to rescue unwanted newborns, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry plans to set up baby hatch centers at all government hospitals, nationwide.

Its Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic), Harjeet Singh said, the move is part of its effort and commitment to reduce the number of baby dumping cases in the country, especially those born out of wedlock.

He added, although the initiative was still in its planning stage, the ministry has already taken initial steps, which would be carried out in October, to execute the proposal.

"Our plan is to work together with the Health Ministry. So, we will conduct a workshop to prepare the Standard Operative Procedure or SOP."

"This is the first stage. We have already started discussions with the Health Ministry. Following the workshop and after we have a SOP, we will then inform the media," said Harjeet.

Harjeet added that the ministry wishes that the baby hatch centers would provide a safe environment for babies whose mothers were unable or unwilling to care of them.

To date, there are nine baby hatch centers, which are managed by private hospitals and NGOs, in the country.

According to police statistics, there are a total of 627 cases of baby dumping reported since 1995 until June this year.