Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 9: The Maharashtra government on Tuesday constituted a high-level State Task Force to strengthen enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, with the aim of curbing illegal sex determination, preventing female foeticide and improving the state's child sex ratio.
The Government Resolution issued by the Public Health Department follows a formal proposal submitted by the Additional Director of the State Family Welfare Office, Pune, on August 20.
According to the statement, the state government has taken note of widespread violations of the PCPNDT and MTP Acts across various districts in recent times. It said there was an urgent need for multi-departmental coordination to prevent female foeticide, stop illegal terminations and maintain active surveillance of sonography centres and MTP facilities.
The newly constituted State Task Force comprises prominent women legislators and will be headed by former Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr Neelam Gorhe.
Its members are Dr Pragya Satav, Member of Legislative Council (MLC); Bhavana Gawali (MLC); Chitra Wagh (MLC); Uma Khapre (MLC); Dr Manisha Kayande (MLC); Sneha Dubey Pandit, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Vasai; and Shweta Mahale (MLA), Chikhli.
The Additional Director, State Family Welfare Office, Pune, will serve as the Member Secretary.
The task force has been given extensive powers to strengthen enforcement of the two laws. It will directly visit districts and municipal corporations to review the performance of Appropriate Authorities -- District Civil Surgeons in districts and Municipal Medical Health Officers in civic bodies -- and recommend corrective measures.
It will also conduct unannounced inspections of sonography centres, diagnostic laboratories and MTP facilities along with local administrative officers to ensure compliance with legal provisions.
Where violations of the PCPNDT or MTP Acts are detected, the task force will direct local Appropriate Authorities to initiate swift criminal or legal action against the concerned medical facilities.
The task force will submit proposals to the government to address administrative bottlenecks and legal loopholes affecting enforcement of both Acts across the state. It will also recommend social measures to create greater public awareness against female foeticide and promote the value of the girl child.
District and municipal-level review meetings will be held with local officers to streamline joint enforcement efforts.
According to the government statement, District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners and Civil Surgeons are required to provide full administrative, technical and documentary support during visits by the task force.
Expenses related to transport, fuel, lodging, meals and meetings during field visits will be met from the 50 per cent share of registration and renewal fees collected from sonography centres, in accordance with state financial rules and provisions of the Government Resolution dated February 20, 2025.
The task force has been directed to submit a detailed observation and recommendation report to the Public Health Department every three months for necessary administrative action. Its tenure will be three years.
The state government's move is aimed at intensifying its campaign against illegal sex determination and female foeticide. State health authorities conduct specialised inspection drives covering thousands of registered sonography and MTP centres.
Clinics found violating the law can face sealing of machines, suspension of medical licences and criminal prosecution.
The state also operates dedicated toll-free helplines and online platforms, including Aamchi Mulgi, through which citizens can report illegal sex determination and clandestine abortion clinics.
Amid recurring reports of underground networks involving medical professionals and illegal syndicates, state authorities have also moved towards invoking stringent laws such as the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to prevent repeat offences and ensure stricter penalties.