Strengthening PC&PNDT Act

Why in News?

Recently, a national-level sensitization meeting convened by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) on strengthening PC&PNDT Act, 1994 implementation.

• Aim – To strengthen the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act).
• Focused on – Reinforcing the effective implementation of the PC&PNDT Act in view of emerging challenges.
• Coordinated efforts to address gaps, ensure compliance, and uphold the objectives of the legislation.
• Emphasis – The act to be not just a legal instrument but a moral and social safeguard against gender-biased sex selection.
  • On prevention Part of the PC&PNDT Act, rather than taking action on act violation.
  • Societal views on having a healthy Child rather than Gender of the child.
  • Upon the directions of the Supreme Court of India, on compliance including the Section 22 of the PC&PNDT Act.

Section 22 of the PC&PNDT Act explicitly prohibits advertisements and promotions related to pre-conception and pre-natal sex determination.

• Highlights – The country has recorded a positive improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB).

As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2023, the SRB has increased by 18 points from 819 females per 1,000 males during 2016-18 to 917 females per 1,000 males in 2021-23.

• The National Sex Ratio at Birth for the period 2021-23 thus stands at 917 females per 1,000 males, reflecting the strengthened implementation of the act.

• Campaign – The session witnessed release of a TVC Video and informative posters developed by the Ministry as part of a 360-degree communication campaign,
  • Theme - JAB LADKA LADKI HEI BARABAR, THO POOCHNA KYOO.

References

1. PIB| Strengthening PC&PNDT Act, 1994
2. PC&PNDT portal