Minister Mano Thangaraj inaugurates skill development programme focusing on strengthening and implementation of PCPNDT Act-1994
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mano Thangaraj emphasised that the training camp was being conducted to ensure that all medical professionals understand the provisions of the law and the Tamil Nadu government's goal of achieving a balanced gender ratio.
He said, 'According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2020), the child sex ratio in our country India is 929. In Tamil Nadu, it stands at 950 and in our district, it is 966.' He pointed out that the declining child sex ratio was a result of gender discrimination, including the parents preferring male children and selective abortions.
The Minister highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by Tamil Nadu government to increase the gender ratio. These include 33% reservation for women in employment, 50% for women in rural local body posts, schemes such as Pudhumai Penn, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity benefit scheme, Thozhi Hostels, Women's Right Grant Scheme etc,.
He further explained that under the PCPNDT Act 1994, doctors were only permitted to assess the growth of the fetus, detect heartbeat and identify any abnormalities. Mr. Mano Thangaraj urged both government and private doctors, as well as scan centre staff not to disclose the gender of the foetus and to spread awareness about legal consequences of violating the Act.
Doctors from Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi and Virdhunagar district participated in the programme.
Kanniyakumari District Collector R. Alagumeena, J. Rajamoorthy, Director of Medical and Rural Health Services and other officials were present at the event.
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