Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Using prenatal diagnostic techniques for illegal sex determination or carrying out unlawful abortions is a punishable offence. Despite this, such activities continue secretly. To curb the practice, the government offers a reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone who provides information about illegal sex determination.
Information received about individuals, centres or institutions violating the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act is verified by the authorities. Raids are conducted at suspected sonography centres and verification is done by sending dummy patients. After a case is registered against the accused, the informer is given a reward of Rs 1 lakh. Any citizen, health department official or employee, or other government staff can be eligible for the reward.
Where and how to lodge a complaint?
Complaints can be made on the government helpline number 18002334475 or on the website amchi mulgi. Written complaints can also be submitted to the civil surgeon or the municipal officer of health.
How many have received the Rs 1 lakh reward?
In 2019, one person received a reward of Rs 1 lakh. Rewards have been proposed for one informer each in 2023 and 2024. Efforts are being made to ensure maximum punishment for the guilty, said PCPNDT legal advisor adv Rashmi Shinde.
Use of code words
Investigations have revealed that code words are used instead of direct terms. Words such as “peda”, “jalebi”, “flower” and “bud” are used to convey the sex of the foetus. Though such conversations are difficult to decode, authorities are now closely monitoring these signals.
Child sex ratio over the last five years
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, the number of girls born per 1,000 boys was 893 in 2022, 880 in 2023 and 927 in 2024.
Regular inspection drives
Regular inspection campaigns are carried out to prevent illegal abortions. Proposals are in place to reward two informers with Rs 1 lakh each for providing information on illegal sex determination.
– Dr Kamalakar Mudkhedkar, civil surgeon