Girl child sex ratio increases in Punjab
CHANDIGARH;In the last few decades sex-ratio of girl child had declined as compared to boys and during the year 2001 the sex-ratio of girls was 798 for every 1000 boys. However, owing to the sustained efforts and steps taken by Health Department and with the increased support of community, the sex-ratio has improved to 896 girls against 1000 boys, presently.
This was revealed here Sunday by Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Punjab, while reviewing the implementation of Pre conception & Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PC&PNDT) by the department to improve the sex-ratio in the state. While expressing satisfaction, she however added that lot more is still to be done in this direction.
Prof. Chawla stated that PC & PNDT Act is being strictly enforced to curb the menace of female foeticide. She said during the month of July, 2010 itself, 2 ultrasound centers have been sealed in district S.A.S Nagar (Mohali); show cause notice issued to 2 centers in district Gurdaspur; 2 centers suspended in SBS Nagar; show cause notice issued to 2 centers of Patiala; 1 centre sealed in Tarn Taran and 2 centers suspended and 1 center issued show cause notice in district Jalandhar. Health Minister further said that there are 1327 registered Ultrasound centers across the state and up-till now; the health department with the support of people has been able to catch 401 centers for various violations under PC&PNDT act resulting in suspension of their registrations, whereas 22 ultrasound centres have been cancelled.
Prof Chawla told that till now 109 court cases have been launched under the PC & PNDT Act, out of which 21 have already been punished by Hon’ble courts, 42 cases are still pending whereas 46 have been acquitted. She directed the officials of the department to continue the drive aggressively and appealed social organizations and community to enhance their participation for the cause of girl child.
Prof Chawla told the officers concerned to further step up the awareness drive to highlight the worth of girl child and curb the menace of foeticide in the state. She said that 83 Panchayats that achieved the sex ratio (0-6yrs) up-to 1000 or more have been honored at state level functions and given cash awards of Rs 1.5 lakh each. 50 more such Panchayats will be felicitated in the near future.
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