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On October 18, 2023, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, presided over the 29th Central Supervisory Board (CSB) meeting. This gathering held significant importance in reaffirming the nation’s resolve to combat gender discrimination against girls and women. The primary focus of the meeting was on the concerning decline in Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), signaling an ongoing struggle against sex-based discrimination leading to prenatal sex selection.
During his address, the Union Health Minister expressed confidence in the nation’s progress toward achieving gender parity. He pointed to the 2020 Sample Registration Survey (SRS) report, highlighting a commendable three-point rise in SRB from 904 in 2017-19 to 907 in 2018-20. Notably, 12 out of 22 surveyed states showed improvement, underscoring the collective efforts 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, he shared that the latest SRS report indicated a two-point reduction in the Gender Gap in 2020, compared to a five-point gap in 2015. He stated that ten states successfully narrowed the gender gap, positively impacting female survival rates.
Dr. Mandaviya also underscored the challenges posed by modern technologies like IVF procedures, Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPT), and compact diagnostic equipment, which can enable sex selection under the guise of family planning. He emphasized that while these technologies have valuable medical applications, they can also be misused, exacerbating gender imbalances.
Under the PC&PNDT Act, the central government holds the responsibility to combat the misuse of medical technologies for sex determination and selection. CSB members convened to reaffirm their dedication to enforcing the Act and creating an inclusive environment for the girl child. Dr. Mandaviya urged that the act should not be used to unfairly target innocent doctors.
Dr. Mandaviya praised the proactive measures taken by states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu in this regard. He commended their innovative strategies, including sting operations and informer schemes, in combating gender-biased sex selection. While applauding these efforts, the Union Minister urged other states and union territories to follow suit and contribute significantly to this crucial demographic issue.
He expressed optimism regarding the allocation of dedicated financial support under NHM to enhance the capacity of States/UTs in effectively enforcing the PC&PNDT Act. “The financial support is being directed towards establishing Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) cells at both state and district levels. Additionally, support is being provided to intensify Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities related to this cause,” he stated.
Union Health Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant, reiterated the commitment of the Union Government to lead the charge in advancing the rights and well-being of women and children, emphasizing their holistic protection, development, and participation.
Smt. L S Changsan, Additional Secretary and MD (NHM), MoHFW, emphasized the Union Health Ministry’s dedication to creating a deterrent against the misuse of medical techniques for sex determination and selection through central legislation. She reported that as of July 2023, reported cases under the PC&PNDT Act have risen to 3563 from 2048 in March 2015. Convictions secured under the Act have increased from 271 to 713 during this period. Additionally, licenses of 145 convicted doctors have been suspended by their respective State Medical Councils. She further added that to fortify the legislation, the Ministry has introduced 11 amendments in the rules over the years under the PC&PNDT Act, further bolstering its implementation.
The Union Health Minister 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 pivotal role in addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio and Sex Ratio at Birth by identifying those engaging in unethical practices within their profession. The CSB meeting witnessed unanimous commitment towards combating gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality.
These accomplishments underscore the unwavering dedication of the Union Government to the welfare of women and children in India, emphasizing gender equality and the survival, protection, and development of the girl child.
