In wake of recent sex-determination racket, Karnataka forms task force to monitor strict enforcement of PCPNDT Act

A sex determination racket in Mandya, linked to an estimated 1,000 female foeticides over 4 years, resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals.

Published Jan 05, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 05, 2024 | 9:38 AM

Karnataka formed this special task force in the wake of a recent sex determination and female foeticide racket in Mandya district. (Creative Commons)

The Government of Karnataka has taken a decisive step by establishing a dedicated State Task Force Committee to ensure the effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

This crucial initiative follows the exposure of numerous cases involving illegal abortions and a sex-determination racket operating within the state.

State Task Force Committee

According to a circular issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the six-member task force will be under the leadership of the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare (HFW).

It further comprises the State Mission Director of the National Health Mission, State Health Director of the RCH Programme Officer, Deputy Director of Family Welfare, and Deputy Director (Medical Acts).

It should be noted that Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the formation of this task force during the recent Legislative Assembly session.

He emphasised that the inadequate implementation of the PCPNDT Act is a major obstacle to curbing female foeticides in the state and contributing to the declining sex ratio in India.

Also Read: Karnataka sex determination & female foeticide case

Recent cases

Recently, a sex-determination racket in Mandya district in the state, linked to an estimated 1,000 female foeticides over four years, resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals. The case has been transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Just a few weeks after the arrests, a female foetus was discovered in a dustbin at SPG Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural, during a surprise raid by health officials. Dr Srinivas, the hospital’s Managing Director, was identified as a suspect, leading to the detention of four individuals, including two women nurses, a lab technician, and a lab assistant, for questioning.

It was revealed that the PCPNDT Act was frequently disregarded in scanning centres across the state, with rules blatantly violated.

Also Read: How authorities nabbed gang involved in sex-determination, abortions in Warangal

Ensuring strict enforcement

The primary objective of the State Task Force Committee is to ensure strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, which prohibits sex selection and regulates prenatal diagnostic techniques.

The key responsibilities will include:

Monitoring and inspecting medical facilities to ensure compliance with the Act.
Periodically reviewing and monitoring activities of district competent authority, district advisory committee, and district inspection and monitoring committees.
Conducting quarterly progress review meetings and submitting a report to the state monitoring committee.
Reviewing progress of targets set for covert operations.
Reviewing of second trimester medical abortions.
Recommending to the state monitoring committee if any amendments are necessary in the Act and associated rules.

Also Read: Karnataka to set up task force to prevent female foeticides

Impact and significance

The establishment of this task force is a critical step towards addressing the issue of declining female-to-male ratios in Karnataka, said obstetrician Dr Gopikrishna from Agrasen Hospital in Bengaluru.

He told South First that its success will depend on the cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders, including medical practitioners, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and the community at large.

He added that everyone should work towards cooperating with the government.