by NEW DELHI: Over the last 25 years, 617 convictions have happened under the Pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic 58 Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act 1994 that aims to check female foeticide. Data up to December 2020 shows the number of ongoing cases under the law is 3,158. The number of medical licences that have been suspended or cancelled stands at 145.
These facts are highlighted as part of the observations and recommendations made by the parliamentary committee on empowerment of women in its report on the Centre’s “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme. The committee observed with concern that , “18 out of 36 States/UTs have neither got any case registered or have any convictions so far”.
The 31 member committee led by BJP MP Heena Vijaykumar Gavit states that “it has every reason to believe that the delay in arriving at final decision in the pending cases has a tendency to dilute the spirit of PC&PNDT Act”.
The report was tabled in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament. Among various aspects of the scheme and related efforts to deal with declining sex ratio at birth, the committee recommended that the ministry must make all out efforts to ensure that finality is reached in such pending cases within six months. The Committee has sought state/UT-wise data of the cases registered, their pendency and nature of conclusion and the conviction within six months from the presentation of this report.
The committee noted that states have been directed to develop online mechanism for registrations, record maintenance under the PC&PNDT Act to ensure accountability, transparency and effective monitoring. Observing that 18 states/UTs have developed the online mechanism, the committee has recommended that all states may be directed to develop the same and get it rolling within six months.
The report highlighted that 71,096, diagnostic facilities including genetic counselling centre, genetic laboratory, genetic clinic, ultrasound clinic and imaging centres are registered under the PC&PNDT Act. “However, it has been observed that several clinics and practitioners are indulging in determination and disclosure of the sex of the foetus. Hence, the committee recommend that ultrasound machines should be compulsorily registered by the importers/sellers/users clearly stating their purpose,” it is recommended.
These facts are highlighted as part of the observations and recommendations made by the parliamentary committee on empowerment of women in its report on the Centre’s “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme. The committee observed with concern that , “18 out of 36 States/UTs have neither got any case registered or have any convictions so far”.
The 31 member committee led by BJP MP Heena Vijaykumar Gavit states that “it has every reason to believe that the delay in arriving at final decision in the pending cases has a tendency to dilute the spirit of PC&PNDT Act”.
The report was tabled in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament. Among various aspects of the scheme and related efforts to deal with declining sex ratio at birth, the committee recommended that the ministry must make all out efforts to ensure that finality is reached in such pending cases within six months. The Committee has sought state/UT-wise data of the cases registered, their pendency and nature of conclusion and the conviction within six months from the presentation of this report.
The committee noted that states have been directed to develop online mechanism for registrations, record maintenance under the PC&PNDT Act to ensure accountability, transparency and effective monitoring. Observing that 18 states/UTs have developed the online mechanism, the committee has recommended that all states may be directed to develop the same and get it rolling within six months.
The report highlighted that 71,096, diagnostic facilities including genetic counselling centre, genetic laboratory, genetic clinic, ultrasound clinic and imaging centres are registered under the PC&PNDT Act. “However, it has been observed that several clinics and practitioners are indulging in determination and disclosure of the sex of the foetus. Hence, the committee recommend that ultrasound machines should be compulsorily registered by the importers/sellers/users clearly stating their purpose,” it is recommended.
