Alarm bell pressed over skewed sex ratio
Union Ministry directs State Govt to implement PCPNDT Act strictly
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 25 2012: Even though Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act (PCPNDT), 1994 is in force in Manipur since 2003, practiced of sex determination before birth discreetly but widely in the state has resulted in alarming decline of female sex ratio over the years.

Concerned over the decreasing female sex ratio in the state, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed the State Government to implement the provisions of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection )Act, 1994 strictly in the state.

According to highly placed sources, the male-female sex ratio in Manipur for children in the age group of 0-6 years at present is 1000: 938.That is for every 1000 males there are 938 females.

In accordance to 1991 Census Report, the sex ratio recorded was 1000: 974.In the 2001 Census report, the sex ratio was 1000: 157 and in accordance to 2001 Census report, it has been recorded at 1000 males to 938 females, thus showing a steep decline in the female sex ratio over the years.

The sources revealed that determination of sex, which ultimately leads to female foeticide is not only considered a big crime but banned by the Government following implementation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 .

Although the Act has been implemented in Manipur since 2003, pre-determination of sex has been on the rise.

To save the girl child and increase the female sex ratio, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has given strict directions to the State Government to implement the Act more vigorously.

According to the Act, anybody found acting against the Act is liable to be punished with a minimum imprisonment of 6 months to 7 years and a fine upto an amount of Rs 1 lakh.

The parents, family members, locals, doctors and technicians, who are involved in one way or the other in the determination of the sex of the unborn child and then aborting it after confirming as a female, are also liable to be punished according to the Act.

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