MoHFW Conducts a Meeting on Strengthening PC PNDT Act
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a vital National Sensitisation Meeting today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on Strengthening PC PNDT Act implementation. The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 faces emerging digital and enforcement challenges. Deliberations focused on reinforcing effective enforcement. Speakers emphasized coordinated efforts. They sought to address gaps, ensure compliance, and uphold the legislation’s core objectives. The focus now shifts toward prevention and proactive enforcement against sex-selective practices nationwide.
PC&PNDT Act:SRB Gains and Moral Safeguard
Ms Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary & Mission Director (NHM), delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the positive impact of strengthened enforcement. The country recorded a significant improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). The SRB increased by 18 points. The SRS Report 2023 shows the SRB rose from 899 females per 1,000 males during 2016-18 to 917 females per 1,000 males in 2021-23. The National SRB now stands at 917. This progress strongly reflects the strengthened implementation of the PC&PNDT Act.
Ms Patnaik also emphasised the deeper, moral role of the PC&PNDT Act. She called it not just a legal instrument. She stressed it functions as a moral and social safeguard against Gender-Biased Sex Selection. She urged society to seek a healthy child rather than focusing on the child’s gender.
PC&PNDT Act: Targeting Digital Violations
The Ministry released new Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material during the inaugural session. MoHFW developed a 360-degree communication campaign. This included a TVC video, a radio jingle, and informative posters. The campaign theme resonates powerfully: “जब लड़का लड़की है बराबर, तो पूछना क्यों?” (When boy and girl are equal, why ask?).
The meeting directly addressed the most pressing challenge: the digital ecosystem. Discussions focused on directions issued by the Supreme Court of India. Participants discussed the critical role of online intermediaries and digital platforms. Section 22 of the PC&PNDT Act explicitly prohibits advertisements related to sex determination. Attendees reinforced the urgent need for proactive engagement with digital intermediaries. State representatives from Telangana, Haryana, and others shared valuable good practices and discussed their challenges. This collaborative approach, facilitated by the Ministry, aims to tackle online advertisements effectively and ensure true gender balance.
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