Karnal, July 15: A meeting was held today at the District Secretariat auditorium, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Anand Kumar Sharma, to curb female foeticide and effectively implement the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to crack down on individuals involved in the illegal practice of sex determination. He also instructed the District Programme Officer (ICDS) to maintain special surveillance—through Anganwadi workers and supervisors—on couples who already have one or more daughters.
Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Naresh Kardwal informed the meeting that the district's current average sex ratio stands at 954, an improvement over the previous year. The Deputy Civil Surgeon reported that during the last quarter, raids were conducted at two locations under the PCPNDT Act, resulting in the registration of two FIRs. Inspections were carried out at 89 ultrasound centers in the district, and notices were issued to three center operators where irregularities were found.
He mentioned that continuous meetings were held with private hospitals, BAMS doctors, *Pandits* (priests), ASHA workers, and other relevant staff to improve the sex ratio. The Deputy Commissioner directed health officials to keep a close watch on villages with low sex ratios. He emphasized that Anganwadi workers should also extend special cooperation in this regard and immediately inform the concerned authorities if any case of sex determination comes to their notice.
The meeting was attended by CMO Dr. Poonam Chaudhary, Deputy Civil Surgeon Anu Sharma, ICDS Programme Officer Rajbala Mor, District Attorney Dr. Pankaj Saini, Medical Officers (MOs) from various community centers, and ICDS supervisors, among others.