Pune: Alarming Decline in Girl Birth Rate Sparks Concerns Over PCPNDT Act Implementation

Pune, 20th December 2023: Pune, known for its legacy of women’s liberation movements and progressive ideals, is facing a disturbing reality as the birth rate of girls compared to boys has plummeted to an alarming level due to ineffective implementation of the Prevention of Prenatal Gender Diagnosis (PCPNDT) Act. Recent statistics reveal that, as of October, only 890 girls are born for every 1000 boys, marking the first time in the last six years that the figure has fallen below 900.

These concerning figures raise the specter of future social problems, and it has come to light that the Pune Municipal Corporation’s efforts to address this issue have been inadequate. The municipality now faces the imperative of making maximum efforts to improve the declining birth rate and prevent further societal repercussions.

According to data from the Municipal Health Department, the ‘Sex Ratio’ has witnessed a decline in the past six years: 927 in 2018, 922 in 2019, 946 in 2020, 900 in 2021, and 910 in 2022. The current ratio of 890 indicates a notable deterioration in just ten months of this year, prompting expressions of concern.

The PCPNDT Act, designed to regulate prenatal gender diagnosis and curb illegal sex-selective abortions, grants the health department the authority to inspect sonography centers and monitor families with female members. However, recent times have seen a neglect of these provisions, contributing to the decline in the birth rate of girls.

Despite slogans like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ advocating for the welfare and education of girls, Pune Municipal Corporation’s action against illegal sonography and fetal sex diagnosis has been lackluster in the past few years. While nominal punishments have been meted out to some doctors, the progress of cases filed by the Municipal Corporation reveals a backlog and delays.

The complexity of the legal process, coupled with an alleged lack of serious attention from the state government, has given guilty doctors a free rein. The apathetic attitude of senior municipal officials, along with meager punishments and protracted legal proceedings, has allowed the guilty doctors to continue their practices with impunity.

Challenges in the implementation of the PCPNDT Act include the technicality of the law, delays in court judgments, and a lack of pursuit of cases against doctors. Additionally, the appointment of competent lawyers and the reluctance of senior officials to file appeals in higher courts contribute to the slow progress of legal proceedings.

The Municipal Corporation’s activities in this context have dwindled, with allegations that the state government’s monitoring has also waned. The advisory committee appointed by the municipality since 2002 has seen minimal changes, raising questions about its effectiveness in ensuring compliance with the PCPNDT Act.

In response to these concerns, Dr. Suryakant Deokar, Assistant Health Officer at PMC, stated that the Health Department is strictly enforcing the PCPNDT Act. Various teams have been formed for investigations, and 14 centers with identified errors have been sealed. An alert scheme, confidential information channels, banners, stickers, and a toll-free number have been implemented to encourage reporting of illegal practices.

Dr. Deokar suggests that the decline in the birth rate of girls may be influenced by increasing family planning and a societal preference for one child. The municipality is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring the effective implementation of the PCPNDT Act.