India’s Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently presided over the 29th Central Supervisory Board (CSB) meeting, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing battle against gender discrimination and the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) in the country. This meeting served as a platform to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues, with a focus on curbing sex-based discrimination leading to sex selection and pre-birth elimination.
Progress in Sex Ratio at Birth
Dr. Mandaviya began by sharing positive news from the latest Sample Registration Survey (SRS) report of 2020. He announced a commendable improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth, with a significant three-point rise from 904 in 2017-19 to 907 in 2018-20. This promising trend has been a collective achievement, with 12 out of the 22 surveyed states demonstrating substantial improvements. These improvements underscore the combined efforts of the states in implementing the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.
Furthermore, the latest SRS report highlighted a positive reduction in the Gender Gap, with a two-point decrease in 2020 compared to a five-point gap in 2015. Dr. Mandaviya acknowledged that ten states have successfully reversed the gender gap, leading to improved female survival rates.
Challenges Posed by Modern Technologies
While celebrating these accomplishments, the Union Health Minister also shed light on the challenges posed by modern technologies, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedures, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT), and compact diagnostic equipment. While these technologies have valuable medical applications, there is a risk of misuse in facilitating sex selection under the guise of family balancing. Dr. Mandaviya stressed the need to address this issue and ensure that these technologies do not exacerbate gender imbalances.
Enforcing the PC&PNDT Act
Under the PC&PNDT Act, the central government holds the responsibility to combat the misuse of medical technologies for sex determination and selection. The CSB members gathered to reaffirm their commitment to enforcing the Act and creating a conducive environment for the girl child in the country. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of preventing any misuse that may lead to unjust harassment of innocent doctors.
Proactive Measures by States
Dr. Mandaviya commended the proactive measures taken by states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu in addressing gender-biased sex selection. These states have adopted innovative strategies, including sting operations and informer schemes, to combat this issue effectively. The Union Minister encouraged other states and union territories to follow their lead and play a significant role in addressing this critical demographic challenge.
Supporting Enforcement of the PC&PNDT Act
To bolster the enforcement of the PC&PNDT Act, Dr. Mandaviya revealed that the National Health Mission (NHM) will provide dedicated financial support to enhance the ability of states and union territories to enforce the Act. This support will include establishing Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) cells at both state and district levels, as well as intensifying Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities related to the cause.
A Commitment to Women and Children’s Rights
Union Health Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant, reiterated the Union Government’s commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and children. He emphasized their protection, development, and participation holistically.
Strengthening Legislation
Smt. L S Changsan, Addl. Secretary and MD (NHM), MoHFW, stressed the Union Health Ministry’s commitment to creating a deterrent against the misuse of medical techniques for sex determination and selection through central legislation. She highlighted that reported cases under the PC&PNDT Act have increased to 3563 as of July 2023, up from 2048 in March 2015. Convictions secured under the Act have risen from 271 to 713 during this period, and the licenses of 145 convicted doctors have been suspended by their respective State Medical Councils. The Ministry has introduced 11 amendments to the rules under the PC&PNDT Act to strengthen its implementation further.
A Collective Appeal
Dr. Mandaviya concluded the meeting with a heartfelt appeal for collective action to ensure the survival and well-being of the girl child in the nation. He urged the medical community to play a vital role in addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio and Sex Ratio at Birth by identifying unethical practices within their profession. The CSB meeting witnessed a unanimous commitment to addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality.
These achievements reflect the Union Government’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of women and children in India, emphasizing gender equality and the survival, protection, and development of the girl child. The nation’s commitment to this cause remains resolute, as it strives to overcome these challenges and build a more equitable future.
