MoHFW Holds National Meet to Strengthen PC&PNDT Act, Improve Gender Equity

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, organized a National Sensitization Meeting on Strengthening the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The high-level meeting brought together policymakers, senior officials, enforcement agencies, and digital intermediaries to discuss strategies for curbing gender-biased sex selection and ensuring the effective implementation of the landmark legislation.

Reinforcing the Vision of Gender Equality

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary & Mission Director (National Health Mission), MoHFW, emphasized that the PC&PNDT Act is not merely a legal instrument but a moral and social safeguard designed to protect the sanctity of life and uphold gender justice.

“The PC&PNDT Act is not just about prohibition—it is a preventive and transformative measure to correct deep-rooted gender biases. Instead of focusing only on punitive action, we must prioritize awareness, prevention, and attitudinal change,” she said.

She further added that the focus of society should be on ensuring the birth of a healthy child rather than the gender of the child, emphasizing that “women, by nature, are more resilient and have stronger immune systems, and thus the survival of the female child is biologically more probable.”

Notable Improvement in India’s Sex Ratio at Birth

Highlighting the impact of concerted government and community interventions, Ms. Patnaik cited recent data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2023, which shows a remarkable improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB).

The SRB has increased by 18 points, from 819 females per 1,000 males during 2016–18 to 917 females per 1,000 males during 2021–23. This progress reflects the success of stronger enforcement, awareness initiatives, and multi-sectoral collaboration under the PC&PNDT framework.

“The upward trend in the SRB is not just a statistical achievement—it is a reflection of growing social consciousness, enforcement efficiency, and the tireless efforts of countless health workers, officials, and citizens,” she remarked.

Launch of New 360° Communication Campaign

As part of the event’s inaugural session, the Ministry launched new Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials including a TVC video, radio jingle, and informative posters under the campaign theme “जब लड़का लड़की है बराबर, तो पूछना क्यों?” (When boys and girls are equal, why ask the difference?).

The campaign is designed as a 360-degree public awareness initiative aimed at changing mindsets, discouraging sex selection, and reinforcing the message of gender equality at every social level—from households and schools to digital media platforms.

Addressing Emerging Digital Challenges

The meeting devoted significant attention to the role of online intermediaries and digital platforms in preventing violations of the PC&PNDT Act, particularly in light of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s directions in WPC No. 341 (2008).

Officials stressed the need to strengthen compliance with Section 22 of the PC&PNDT Act, which explicitly prohibits advertisements, promotions, and communications related to pre-conception or pre-natal sex determination.

Participants discussed the emerging challenges of online violations, misuse of new technologies, and the growing digital footprint of such content. The Ministry emphasized the need for proactive collaboration with digital intermediaries, development of real-time monitoring systems, and stricter enforcement mechanisms to preserve the spirit of the law in the digital era.

Multi-Stakeholder Participation and Good Practices

The meeting witnessed participation from senior officials including Ms. Meera Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Reproductive and Child Health), and Dr. Indu Grewal, Additional Commissioner, PC&PNDT Division, alongside representatives from 36 States and Union Territories, central ministries, law enforcement agencies, and digital intermediaries.

State representatives from Telangana, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat shared innovative practices and ground-level challenges in implementing the Act. Their presentations showcased examples of effective monitoring systems, district task forces, awareness drives, and use of technology for data tracking.

The discussions also focused on capacity building, cross-departmental coordination, and community engagement, recognizing that preventing gender-biased sex selection requires a holistic, multi-dimensional approach.

A Renewed Commitment to Gender Justice

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Patnaik reiterated that the success of the PC&PNDT Act lies not only in enforcement but in education and empathy. She called upon all stakeholders—government bodies, digital companies, healthcare providers, and citizens—to work together to uphold the dignity and value of the girl child.

“Every healthy girl child born in India is a symbol of our collective progress. We must continue to strengthen the PC&PNDT Act, not as a law alone, but as a social movement for equality,” she said.

The National Sensitization Meeting concluded with a shared resolve to intensify awareness campaigns, enhance digital compliance, and strengthen monitoring frameworks, ensuring that every child—regardless of gender—is welcomed and valued equally.