Odisha Plans Stronger Enforcement of PC-PNDT Act to Curb Illegal Sex Selection

Bhubaneswar: With concerns over the declining sex ratio at birth in several districts, the Odisha government on Monday rolled out a series of measures to curb illegal sex selection, including enhanced monitoring of ultrasound centres, stronger district-level enforcement and intensified public awareness campaigns.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the State Supervisory Board under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, chaired by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling at the National Health Mission conference hall.

Emphasising that effective implementation of the Act is crucial to preventing gender-biased sex selection, Mahaling directed officials to strengthen district monitoring committees and intensify inspections, particularly in districts reporting poor sex ratio at birth. He also called for sustained public awareness campaigns to promote gender equality and discourage illegal prenatal sex determination.

The Board reviewed the implementation of the Act and noted that stricter enforcement, technological interventions and coordinated action among departments would be key to improving compliance and protecting the rights of the girl child.

Officials informed the meeting that Odisha has digitised several regulatory processes, including online registration and renewal of ultrasound centres, online submission of Form-F, verification of registered medical practitioners through the Odisha Council of Medical Registration (OCMR), and authentication of beneficiaries through the ABHA platform. These initiatives, they said, have improved transparency and strengthened monitoring mechanisms.

Reviewing enforcement between 2024 and 2026, the Board was informed that district authorities conducted 649 inspections, while state-level teams carried out 11 inspections. During the period, six illegal ultrasound clinics were sealed, six ultrasound machines were seized, FIRs were registered and disciplinary proceedings were initiated against government doctors in complaint-related cases.

The Minister directed officials to further tighten inspections, ensure strict legal action against those involved in illegal sex selection and expand awareness programmes in medical colleges, healthcare institutions and communities.

The meeting also decided to continue the informant incentive scheme, under which citizens providing credible information on illegal prenatal sex determination, unregistered ultrasound centres or sex selection activities will receive a reward of ₹25,000.

District-wise performance on sex ratio at birth was also reviewed. Jajpur emerged as the best-performing district, while Nayagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Ganjam and Khordha were identified as the lowest-performing districts. Officials from these districts have been instructed to intensify monitoring, ensure complete verification of Form-F records and strengthen awareness campaigns.

The meeting was attended by Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mahapatra, Bangriposi MLA Sanjali Murmu, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwati S., National Health Mission Managing Director Dr. Brunda D., and other members of the State Supervisory Board.