IMPHAL, April 2: Female infanticide is still committed in India and there is no assurance that this practice will not reach Manipur in the near future, observed member of State Appropriate Authority Pre Conception – Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Sumatibala today.
Sumatibala was speaking as a resource person during an awareness programme on PC-PNDT held today at CHC Sekmai, Imphal West.
The awareness programme was conducted by an NGO, Affairs of Benign Centre (ABC) in association with ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign.
In her speech, Sumatibala said it was in 1994 that the nation initiated the campaign to spread awareness on Pre Conception – Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques also known as PC-PNDT which further became an Act in 1996 as PC-PNDT Act 1996.
The said Act was regulated in Manipur only in 2003, she observed.
Sumatibala further maintained that under PC-PNDT Act any medical staff is liable to punishment imprisonment under non-bailable warrant if found executing pre mature abortion, gender determination etc.
She further observed that there are some clinics which are equipped with ultrasound system determining the gender of an unborn baby and disclosing it to the parents.
She said this is misuse of equipment as well as restricted by the government.
She added the year 2030 is already marked as “Planet 50-50 by 2030” to bring gender equality.
However, there is still a long way before gender equality in brought in India, she added.
Jt Director State Nodal Officer, PC-PNDT cell, family welfare service, Manipur Dr Th Arunkumar Singh, MO in charge CHC Sekmai Dr Chanicibao and District Mission Director Imphal West Dr H Kula Singh were also present as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively. The awareness programme was also attended by CHC Sekmai ANM, GNM and ASHA workers.