SAC meeting on PC-PNDT Act organised
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 09 2025: A joint meeting of the State Advisory Committee (SAC), State Appropriate Authority (SAA), and the State PC-PNDT Cell, Manipur, was held at the office chamber of the Family Welfare Services director Dr N Hemantakumar Singh.

The Department of Family Welfare, is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the PC-PNDT Act (The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act) .

During the meeting, Dr N Hemantakumar emphasised the critical role of ultrasound machines in modern medical practice.

SAC meeting on PC-PNDT Act organised

He noted that ultrasound technology offers real-time, non-invasive imaging, which is indispensable in procedures such as monitoring foetal development, guiding biopsies, and assessing organ function.

Given its capabilities, he highlighted the need for adequate allocation of ultrasound machines and trained personnel.

Dr Hemantakumar further stressed that, in light of the risk of misuse for sex-selective practices, often driven by cultural or societal preferences for one gender over the other, those operating such equipment must adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Addressing at the meeting, state nodal officer for PC & PNDT, Dr Sujata Huidrom, presented a comprehensive report outlining the initiatives undertaken at both the state and district levels.

These included awareness campaigns, workshops, and monitoring activities.

She also provided updates on inspections conducted by the State and District Implementing and Monitoring Committees (SIMC and DIMC) at ultrasound clinics, genetic clinics, and imaging centres in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Chandel, Senapati, and Churachandpur.

These inspections aim to ensure that all facilities are duly registered and compliant with the guidelines of the Act.

She also thanked the members of the DIMCs for their support and co operation.

Tenshubam Sangeeta, joint director (IPR) and member of the SAC, remarked that the District Information Offices have been actively disseminating information through various media platforms, including social media.

Press releases are issued regularly to raise public awareness regarding the implementation of the PC-PNDT Act and the broader issue of gender discrimination, she maintained.

The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act serves as a legislative safeguard for the girl child by penalising individuals involved in unlawful sex determination and acting as a deterrent to potential offenders.