Workshop on PC & PNDT Act held
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, March 30 2016:
SEEDS in collaboration with the District Health Society conducted a block level workshop on "Prohibition of Sex Determination- PC & PNDT Act" on March 29 at Kangpokpi Community Health Centre with CMO Dr Loli, St Koshia, Advocate APP, District Session Court, Senapati and Dr Simte, Sr MO/DDO/CHC, Kangpokpi as the resource persons.
MS Jerome, Managing Director/SEEDS stressed on the importance of maintaining a balanced sex ratio in order to bring social harmony and avert gender discrimination.
Sex determination is a crime and punishable offence.
Church prohibits abortion while law warrants punishment for violation of the Act.
Medical fraternity, Churches and the civil societies must join hands to curb sex determination, he said.
Dr Loli dwelt on the concept and implication of the PC & PNDT Act and gave an overview of the all India sex ratio and the compelling circumstances leading to the enactment of the PC & PNDT Act by the Indian Parliament.
The district authority concerned can take action against the doctors, ultrasound proprietors or any individual who resort to sex determination.
He also recommended several steps for effective implementation of the Act such as observing Women's Day, Girl Child Day, awarding women achievers and mothers of women achievers.
St Koshia spoke on the legal perspectives of the PC & PNDT Act.
"The Act prohibits the practice of sex determination by any individual or groups and violation of it invites punitive fines and imprisonment.
Special consideration may be made to examine certain genetic abnormalities to safeguard the health of pregnant women especially above 35 years of age.
However sex determination is prohibited," she said.
Dr Simte exhorted the participants to uphold the principles of the Act.