April 03, 2002

'31'

    The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. C.P.Thakur has said that the Government is committed for the enforcement of the PNDT Act (Pre Natal Diagnostics Technique) to eradicate the practice of sex determination and foeticide, mostly the female foeticide. The Minister was presiding over the seventh meeting of the Central Supervisory Board (CSB), here today, which is the highest body in the Government that oversees the implementation of PNDT Act, 1994. The meeting primarily deliberated upon and finalised the amendments to the PNDT Rules.

    Dr. Thakur stated that the two developments have served to bring this matter into prominence in India. Firstly, in a PIL filed by CEHAT & Others, the Hon'ble Supreme Court issued directions to Central and State Governments that the PNDT Act be stringently and effectively enforced. Professional associations were directed to furnish details about the users of ultrasonography. Manufacturers were directed to furnish information pertaining to the last five years, about the clinics/other premises/ individuals to whom the ultra sound machinery has been sold. The directions of the Supreme Court has strengthened the hands of the Government which is now pursuing the enforcement of this matter with State Governments, NGOs and other appropriate authorities. Secondly, the publication of the Census 2001 highlighting the sharp decline in infant sex ratio, adverse to the female, and the specific states, where the incidence is said to be the highest, has raised serious concerns about gender discrimination, status of the girl child and of women in the society.

    The amendments to the PNDT Act were deliberated at great length at the last meeting of the Central Supervisory Board, and have now been forwarded to the Ministry of Law for consideration and approval. Dr. Thakur stated that he hopes to introduce the amended PNDT Act in the Parliament during this session. The Supreme Court has also directed that State Governments / Union Territories should seal and seize the ultra sound machines being used by organisations who have not got themselves registered under the Act. Up till now 12,500 centres have been registered, 25 ultra sound machines have been seized and sealed and 133 complaints have been filed for violation of the law.