Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Apr 16: In a major move to crack down on female foeticide, the Haryana health department will write to the state police to establish dedicated police cells in every district, each headed by a DSP-rank officer. These cells will focus exclusively on enforcing the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and assisting in raids and FIR registrations.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the State Task Force (STF), which is leading the campaign against gender-biased sex selection. Officials say the current reliance on district police for raid operations is limiting, and dedicated teams will ensure swifter action.

Dr Virender Yadav, director of the National Health Mission and STF convenor, said that over 300 MTP centres had their registrations cancelled or withdrawn due to violations. He added that strict measures are being taken, including mandatory 12-week ultrasounds in MTP cases, random verifications, and the closure of non-registered IVF centres.

Show-cause notices were recently issued to senior medical officers from 12 community health centres across districts with poor sex ratios. PNDT nodal officers in five low-performing districts Charkhi Dadri, Rewari, Rohtak, Gurugram, and Faridabad — were replaced.

The action follows a decline in the state’s sex ratio at birth, which dropped from 916 girls per 1,000 boys in 2023 to 910 in 2024. The STF, comprising senior officials from health, police, and other departments, conducts weekly reviews and field visits to ensure compliance and monitor progress.