Illegal Prenatal Sex Determination: Gujarat Ranks Second In India With 28 Cases
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
While slogans of ‘Beti Bachao’ continue to echo across the country, Gujarat has emerged as the second-highest state in India in terms of registered cases of illegal prenatal sex determination. According to new data from the Central Health Ministry, 28 such cases were registered in Gujarat over the past three years, behind only Haryana.
Haryana Tops The List With 108 Cases
The data shows that Haryana recorded the highest number of illegal sex determination cases in the country, with 108 cases registered over the three-year period. Gujarat followed with 28 cases.
The figures for other states are:
- Haryana: 108
- Gujarat: 28
- Rajasthan: 11
- Tamil Nadu: 10
- Delhi: 8
- Karnataka: 7
- Punjab: 3
- Maharashtra: 1
The figures reflect cases that have come to the attention of authorities. However, the source notes that the actual extent of illegal prenatal sex determination could be much larger.
More Than 15 States Report No Cases
Several states and Union Territories have not registered a single case of illegal sex determination during the period covered by the data.
These include Kerala, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Nagaland, Sikkim, Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
Misuse Of Ultrasound Machines Raises Concern
Ultrasound or sonography machines are intended to monitor the health of a foetus. However, the source highlights concerns over their alleged misuse for determining and disclosing the sex of an unborn child despite a complete legal ban.
The source states that some doctors and laboratory staff allegedly run the illegal practice to exploit the preference for a boy and make large sums of money.
The PNDT Act is in force to curb such activities. According to the source, doctors or hospitals found guilty can face cancellation of their medical licence, along with provisions for fines and imprisonment.
‘Beti Bachao’ Campaigns Vs Ground Reality
While crores of rupees are spent on government campaigns such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, the figures on illegal prenatal sex determination raise questions about the implementation of the law.
The source also raises concerns that without strict surveillance and timely raids on illegal sonography centres, the gender balance in Gujarat could face serious consequences.
