The Delhi government intensified efforts to combat sex determination of foetuses by launching an online portal. This initiative aims to enforce the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act of 1994 more effectively. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasised the importance of this initiative in addressing deep-rooted societal issues related to gender discrimination. The portal serves as a platform for the public to report violations and ensures compliance among medical practitioners.
PC-PNDT Act
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act was enacted in 1994. Its primary purpose is to prevent sex-selective abortions. The act prohibits sex determination through ultrasound and other technologies. It aims to promote a balanced sex ratio and eliminate gender-based discrimination. Violations of the act can lead to severe penalties for medical practitioners.
Features of the New Portal
The newly launched portal includes an online complaint registration system. It allows citizens to report suspected violations easily. The portal also maintains a list of registered medical centres complying with the act. Currently, it lists 1,752 centres, including diagnostic and maternity clinics. This transparency aims to deter illegal practices.
Enforcement Statistics
In the year 2024-2025, Delhi’s health authorities conducted 627 inspections. These inspections resulted in 70 show-cause notices and 13 suspensions of medical practitioners. Additionally, 53 registrations were cancelled, and 22 ultrasound machines were sealed. These actions highlight the government’s commitment to enforcing the law.
Impact on Gender Ratio
The Delhi government believes that this initiative will positively impact the city’s sex ratio. Minister Singh expressed confidence that strict enforcement will help reduce gender-based discrimination. The government aims to set an example for the rest of India in promoting gender equality.
Stakeholder Involvement
The launch of the portal coincided with a one-day workshop. This event brought together health department officials, medical professionals, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The collaborative approach aims to strengthen the implementation of the PC-PNDT Act. Engaging various stakeholders is crucial for the success of this initiative.
Future Directions
Moving forward, the Delhi government plans to enhance the portal’s functionality. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of registered centres will be vital. The government also aims to increase public awareness about the act and the importance of reporting violations. This multi-faceted approach is essential to combatting sex determination effectively.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the implications of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act on gender equality in India.
- Analyse the role of technology in enforcing laws related to sex determination in India.
- Examine the societal factors contributing to gender discrimination in India.
- Estimate the effectiveness of government initiatives in improving the sex ratio in urban areas.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the implications of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act on gender equality in India.
- Promotes gender equality by prohibiting sex-selective abortions.
- Aims to balance the sex ratio, addressing gender-based discrimination.
- Encourages societal change by challenging traditional gender norms.
- Facilitates legal consequences for violators, reinforcing the importance of gender equality.
- Involves public participation in reporting violations, encouraging community awareness.
2. Analyse the role of technology in enforcing laws related to sex determination in India.
- Online portals facilitate easy reporting of violations by the public.
- Technological tools help monitor compliance of medical centres with the PC-PNDT Act.
- Use of ultrasound technology is regulated to prevent sex determination.
- Data analytics can identify trends in violations and improve enforcement strategies.
- Increased transparency through technology discourages illegal practices.
3. Examine the societal factors contributing to gender discrimination in India.
- Deep-rooted cultural norms favoring male children over females.
- Economic factors where sons are seen as financial support for parents.
- Lack of awareness about gender equality and women’s rights.
- Social stigma associated with having daughters, influencing family planning.
- Influence of patriarchal structures in decision-making and resource allocation.
4. Estimate the effectiveness of government initiatives in improving the sex ratio in urban areas.
- Recent inspections and penalties indicate active enforcement of the PC-PNDT Act.
- Public reporting mechanisms have increased awareness and participation.
- Statistics show a reduction in violations and illegal practices over time.
- Government initiatives aim to change societal attitudes towards gender preference.
- Future plans to enhance portal functionality suggest ongoing commitment to improvement.
