Chittoor targets gender equality with PC&PNDT Act push
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Andhra Pradesh: Chittoor District Medical and Health Officer Dr. DT Sudharani led a key PC&PNDT Act Task Force meeting on Thursday, at the Chittoor Revenue Divisional Office, aiming to curb sex determination and foeticide with strict enforcement.
Gender imbalance concern
RDO Srinivasulu revealed a concerning sex ratio of 954 girls per 1,000 boys in Chittoor, urging coordinated action from the Law, Police, Women and Child Welfare, and Medical and Health departments to enforce the PC&PNDT Act rigorously.
Stricter enforcement measures
Srinivasulu directed intensified monitoring by Medical, Police, and Vigilance departments to target illegal sex determination and foeticide, with cases to be filed under sections 23, 24, and 25 of the Act. Offenders face fines and imprisonment, while doctors risk suspension or permanent removal from medical registers.
Awareness and community action
The committee mandated widespread awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, led by ASHA, ANM, AWW, Women Police, NGOs, and secretariat staff. These groups must identify high-risk feticide areas, educate the public on legal penalties, and promote gender equality through seminars, pamphlets, and annoucements by mikes, dispelling myths of male superiority.
Reporting and inspections
Citizens can report violations confidentially, triggering swift action. Monthly inspections by district and divisional teams are ordered per government directives, ensuring accountability and encouraging community vigilance against illegal activities.
Penalties for violations
First-time offenders face up to three years in jail and a Rs 10,000 fine, while repeat offenders risk five years and Rs 50,000. Doctors committing violations face additional suspension or permanent deregistration from medical councils, emphasizing the law’s severity.
The meeting included PC&PNDT Nodal Officer Dr. Anil Kumar, Disha CI Maheshwar, Dr. Ushasri, Dr. Latha, Dr. Chandramma, ICDS PD Venkateswari, NGO representatives Seshadri, Ramadevi, Rama Rao, Legal Consultant Indrani, Demo Jayaramdu, and Rajendra Prasad.
