1. Sex-Ratio scenario Causes of low female sex-ratio in Punjab Social and legal aspects of the PNDT Act 9

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1 SEX-RATIO IN PUNJAB PC & PNDT ACT AND STATE INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE SEX-RATIO DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY WELFARE PUNJAB CHANDIGARH

2 INDEX Sr. No. Contents Page No. 1. Sex-Ratio scenario 1 2. Causes of low female sex-ratio in Punjab 8 3. Social and legal aspects of the PNDT Act 9 4. Highlights of the PC & PNDT Act & Rules Approach to improve sex-ratio Causes & Sequences of Sex Determination Sex Selective Foeticide and Approach Strategy for enforcement of the PC & PNDT Act Inspection format for ultrasound centre Sample of orders of suspension under section 20 (3) of the PNDT Act 11. Initiatives To Improve Sex-Ratio In Punjab Structure of PNDT Functionaries in Punjab Status Report of Court Cases/FIRs in Punjab Publicity Pictures 40 19

3 SEX-RATIO Punjab has excelled at the National and International level in various fields of life, but due to a strong desire for a son and a small family, the state has earned a bad name for the skewed child sex-ratio. Under the present scenario it is essential for the medical fraternity as also the public at large to understand the problem of skewed sexratio at the grass-root level. Sex-ratio in India is the number of females per 1000 males, however in many other countries it is the number of males per 100 females. Sex-ratio at Birth is the number of females born per 1000 males born. Child sex-ratio is the no. of female children (0 to 6 years) per 1000 male children. Biological sex-ratio in India is the number of female babies born per 1000 male babies born naturally. At the Inter-National level 105 boys are born naturally for every 100 girls-born. During the early childhood survival of the female children is better than the male children naturally and by adulthood the ratio of the females and males becomes equal. Missing daughters is the number of difference between 952 and daughters actually born per 1000 boys born in the region. SEX-RATIO IN PUNJAB VIS-À-VIS INDIA The sex-ratio in Punjab has traditionally been low as sex-ratio for all ages in Punjab in the year 1901 was 832 in contrast to 972 of the country. This was still lower in the year 1911 at 780. However it gradually increased to 882 in the year 1991 and then it slightly declined to 876 in the year Whereas the sex-ratio in Punjab has been showing an upward trend, the sex-ratio of the country has been declining during the last century as is evident from the following graphs Sex-Ratio of Punjab (100 Years)

4 Sex Ratio of India (100 Years) DECLINE IN CHILD SEX-RATIO IN PUNJAB VIS-À-VIS INDIA The heinous crime of infanticide (female) is ages old and has been prevalent in many Asian countries. With the development of medical technology especially the noninvasive sonography infanticide decreased, but foeticide increased. This technology has been misused by some doctors to determine the sex of the foetus leading to selective female foeticide and resultant low child sex-ratio. Analysis of child sex-ratio during the last 4 decades shows that it has been declining continuously and the decline has been sharp from 1981 onwards as is evident from the following graph: DECLINE IN CHILD SEX-RATIO IN PUNJAB & INDIA (40 YRS) SEX-RATIO Punjab India

5 The decline has been sharp from 1981 onwards in the country and in the last decade i.e to 2001, the decline in child sex-ratio has been sharpest, more so in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh as is illustrated in the graph below: 1000 Decline in child sex-ratio (0-6 Yrs) Northern States in one decade Punjab Haryana Chandigarh Delhi Rajsthan Himachal The decline in child sex-ratio in Punjab is a matter of serious concern for the State as the child sex-ratio has declined by 77 points from 875 in the year 1991 to 798 in the year 2001 as per census figures. District Fatehgarh Sahib has the dubious distinction of having the lowest child sex-ratio of 766 in the country. All the 17 districts (old) of the Punjab state fall in the bottom 34 districts of the country with lowest child sex-ratio and the range is 766 to 819 girls per 1000 boys. Out of the remaining 17 districts with lowest child sex-ratio, 13 fall in Haryana. Census 2001 data has revealed that child sex-ratio has declined significantly in Malwa belt of Punjab and that the decline is more pronounced in the rural areas. Following graphs exhibit sex-ratio scenario in Punjab, District wise and Tehsil wise. It has further revealed that sex-ratio at birth amongst low middle class families with average level of literacy from middle upto undergraduate level is lowest. Following graphs exhibit sex-ratio scenario in Punjab, District wise and Tehsil wise as also on the basis of literacy level. 3

6 SEX-RATIO IN PUNJAB IN 1991 & 2001: Sr. No Name of the State/ Sex ratio: all ages Child Sex ratio District Punjab Amritsar Bathinda Faridkot Ferozepur Fatehgarh Sahib Gurdaspur Hoshiarpur Jalandhar Kapurthala Ludhiana Mansa Moga Muktsar Nawanshahar Patiala Ropar Sangrur Note: At present there are 20 districts in the state, district Tarn Taran has been carved out of district Amritsar, district Mohali out of district Ropar & Patiala and district Barnala out of district Sangrur DISTRICT WISE DECLINE IN CHILD SEX-RATIO (> 50) FROM 1991 TO 2001 Sr. No. DISTRICT DECLINE 1 Fatehgarh Sahib Kapurthala 94 3 Patiala 92 4 Ropar 91 5 Mansa 91 6 Gurdaspur 89 7 Sangrur 87 8 Nawanshahar 86 9 Jalandhar Hoshiarpur Bathinda Amritsar Ferozepur Ludhiana Faridkot 53 4

7 TEHSIL WISE CHILD SEX-RATIO IN PUNJAB State/District Tehsil Child Sex-Ratio Total Urban Rural Punjab Total District Ajnala Amritsar-I Amritsar Amritsar-II Tarn Taran Patti Khadoor Sahib Baba Bakala Total District Bathinda Rampura Phool Bathinda Talwandi Sabo Total District Faridkot Faridkot Jaito Total District Zira Ferozepur Ferozepur Jalalabad Fazilka Abohar Total District Bassi Pathana Fatehgarh Sahib Fatehgarh Sahib Amloh Khamanon Total District Dhar Kalan Gurdaspur Pathankot Gurdaspur Batala Dera Baba Nanak Total District Dasuha Hoshiarpur Mukerian Hoshiarpur Garhshankar Total District Shahkot Jalandhar Nakodar Phillaur Jalandhar-I Jalandhar-II

8 State/District District Total Urban Rural Total District Kapurthala Bhulath Kapurthala Sultanpur Lodhi Phagwara Total District Samrala Khanna Ludhiana Payal Ludhiana (West) Ludhiana (East) Raikot Jagraon Total District Mansa Sardulgarh Budhlada Mansa Total District Moga Nihal Singh Wala Bagha-purana Moga Total District Muktsar Malot Giddarbaha Muktsar Total District Nawanshahar Nawanshahar Balachor Total District Samana Patiala Nabha Patiala Rajpura Darabassi Total District Anandpur Sahib Ropar Ropar Kharar S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) Total District Barnala Malerkotla Sangrur Dhuri Sangrur Sunam Moonak Sex-ratio 775 & below depicted in bold. 6

9 SEX-RATIO AT BIRTH BY LEVEL OF EDUCATION PUNJAB & INDIA (CENSUS 2001) SEX-RATIO Punjab India All Sections Illiterate Literate (All) Middle but below Graduation Graduation & Above CURRENT SEX-RATIO SCENARIO With enforcement of the Pre Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act and awareness generation activities undertaken in Punjab, sex-ratio at birth has started improving in Punjab, as per SRS data, as is evident from following graph: CURRENT TRENDS IN SEX RATIO (0-4) Rural Urban Total

10 CAUSES OF LOW FEMALE SEX-RATIO Since ages, the society is male dominated and there is strong son preference. Obsession to beget a son is considered important as he is: Breadwinner. Can work hard in fields/ business etc. Can be entrusted with out of station jobs. Will carry forward the family s name. Will perform last rites. Is pride of the family. Is protector of the family. Sex selective feticide in the last about 3 decades. Low registration of female births. Punjab state has a long border with Pakistan and has been facing lot of hostility and intrusions in addition to wars, which require a strong defence along the border, thereby there has been a strong desire for males in the family. Daughters are not preferred because of: Social insecurity of females (rape, sexual harassment etc.) Dowry tradition (financial liability). Can compromise family s honor. Is considered a weaker sex. Psyche of the society (Mindset). As per a study/ survey undertaken by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation with the help of grass roots voluntary health workers (women) on the basis of age, education, financial status, religion and caste, family size and sex of the first child, women who undergo sex selective abortions have totally a different perception. Education, financial well being, religion, caste etc. do not have much impact on the psyche of the women/ society as far as this evil is concerned. It is a strong desire for a son and small family which have been leading to a decline in female sex-ratio. The sharp decline in child sex-ratio in the last decade (1991 to 2001) can be attributed to a strong desire for having a son in the family and availability of sex determination tests. These tests have now been prohibited with the enforcement of the PC & PNDT Act. 8

11 SOCIAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE PRE-NATAL DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES (REGULATION AND PREVENTION OF MISUSE) ACT 1994 (ACT NO. 57 OF 1994) INTRODUCTION The social, cultural and religious fiber of India has been male dominated since ages. Gender bias and deep-rooted prejudice and discrimination against girl children and preference of male child have led to large scale female foeticide in the last decade. The declining sex ratio of girls and woman in India is a major concern for all. The census 2001 data indicates that female sex ratio is declining at an alarming rate and needs immediate and urgent action. If this trend continues, there would be further reduction in the number of girls/women in future leading to serious socio-cultural problems including violence and population Imbalances. The issue of survival of girl child is critical one, deep rooted in the society, which requires systematic efforts in mobilizing the community. In order to check the declining female sex ratio due to selective female foeticide subsequent to sex determination, the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act was enacted in 1994 and was brought into operation in This Act was intended to regulate the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for detecting genetic and metabolic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, certain congenital mal-formations and/or sex linked disorders. In practice the techniques for pre-natal determination of sex of the foetus led to female foeticide and reinforced the gender bias. This technology has been misused on a large scale for sex determination of the foetus, and mostly if the foetus is pronounced as female, this prompts termination of pregnancy bringing to an abrupt end the growth of an unborn child. The use of technology for these purposes, in the context of India and especially Punjab, has been wholly discriminatory to the female sex and impacts on the status of dignity of women. Large-scale misuse of these technologies would precipitate a severe imbalance in the male female ratio and therefore, it became necessary to implement the PC & PNDT Act uniformly in the country especially Punjab State to achieve the purpose for which it has been enacted. 9

12 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PC & PNDT ACT & RULES The PNDT Act has been amended by The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Amendment Act, 2002 (No. 14 of 2003). The new name of the Act is The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, Rules have also been framed under the Act and are called the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) rules On the basis of a PIL filled by CEHAT (Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes) and others in the Hon ble Supreme Court of India in the year 2001, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India issued various directions to the Union Govt. and the States for uniform implementation of the Act and accordingly the Punjab state also undertook various measures to implement the Act vigorously in Punjab. The Act & Rules: It consists of the Principal PNDT Act, which has 34 sections and 19 Rules. There are formats A,B,C,D,E,F,G and H appended with the Act for grant of registration and record keeping by the genetic/ ultrasound centres and Appropriate Authorities. The Act prohibits determination and disclosure of the sex of the foetus. It also prohibits sex selection, before or after conception by any means. Any advertisement directly or indirectly regarding pre-conceptual sex selection or sex determination after conception by any means including ultrasonography is prohibited under the Act and violation is punishable. Appropriate Authorities appointed at the State, District level, Sub-division level and an Appropriate Authority for the defence establishments in the state, are the instruments for the implementation of the PNDT Act. Advisory Committees have been constituted at all the above levels for aiding and advising the respective Appropriate Authorities in the implementation of the Act. All centers/ clinics/ nursing homes using Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques including ultrasound machines are to get themselves registered with Appropriate Authority. Even the centre where a mobile ultrasound machine is taken has to get itself registered. The certificate of registration shall be non-transferable. Only qualified persons as per the PNDT Act can perform ultrasonography. Any registered centre can employ a qualified person after prior permission of the Appropriate Authority as per the Act. 10

13 Every centre has to make available a copy of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act in the centre. Every centre will display the registration certificate at a conspicuous place. Every centre will display the undertaking under Rule No. 17(1). The Registration of the centre can be suspended or cancelled if the facility is found to violate any of the provisions of the Act. No centre shall conduct ultrasonography for the purpose of determining the sex of a foetus except for diagnosis of sex-linked diseases as per the Act and during pregnancy ultrasonography can be performed as per the representative list of indications annexed to revised Form F of the PNDT Rules. PNDT procedures include Ultrasonography, Foetoscopy, Amniocentesis, Study of Chorionic Villi, blood or any other tissue of man or woman before or after conception. Sex selection includes any procedure, technique, test or administration or prescription or provision of anything for the purpose of ensuring or increasing the probability that an embryo will be of a particular sex. The person conducting ultrasonography on a pregnant woman shall keep complete record thereof in the clinic in such manner as may be prescribed, and any deficiency or inaccuracy found therein shall amount to contravention of the provisions of section 5 or section 6 unless contrary is proved by the person conducting such ultrasonography. Any person or relative who seeks the help of ultrasonologist for knowing the sex of the pregnant women is punishable with imprisonment and fine. The Court shall presume unless the contrary is proved that the pregnant woman has been compelled by her husband or relative to undergo Pre-natal Diagnostic Technique. OFFENCES AND PENALTIES: (SECTION 23) (1) Any medical geneticist, Gynecologist, registered medical practitioner or any person who owns a Genetic Counselling Centre, a Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic or is employed in such a Centre, Laboratory or Clinic and renders his professional or technical services to or at such a Centre, Laboratory or Clinic, whether on an honorary basis or otherwise, and who contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or rules made thereunder shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to ten thousand 11

14 rupees and on any subsequent conviction, with imprisonment which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees. (2) The name of the registered medical practitioner shall be reported by the Appropriate Authority to the State Medical Council concerned for taking necessary action including suspension of the registration if the charges are framed by the court and till the case is disposed of and on conviction for removal of his name from the register of the Council for a period of five years for the first offence and permanently for the subsequent offence. (3) Ay person who seeks the aid of any Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinic or ultrasound clinic or imaging clinic or of a medical geneticist, gynaecologist, sonologist or imaging specialist or registered medical practitioner or any other person for sex-selection or for conducting pre-natal diagnostic techniques on any pregnant woman for the purposes other than those specified in sub-section (2) of section 4, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees for the first offence and for any subsequent offence with imprisonment which may extend to five years and with fine which may extend to one lac rupees. ***** 12

15 APPROACH TO IMPROVE SEX-RATIO Sex-selective feticide leading to skewed child sex-ratio is the result of deep-rooted psyche of son preference of the society and it is more of a social evil than a crime. The process of sex-determination leading to sex-selective feticide is conducted with the mutual consent of the family (relatives/ friends of the pregnant woman), the ultrasonologist/ geneticist who conducts sex-determination/selection and the abortionist. There is no complainant in this evil/crime and as such it is extremely difficult to nab persons indulging into this heinous crime of sex-selective feticide. However, the PC & PNDT Act has many stringent provisions, under which ultrasonologist indulging into sex-determination can be prosecuted. Keeping in view the sharp decline in child sex-ratio in the last about 25 years the following approach has to be followed by the government as well as the society at large. 1. URGENT STEPS (ENFORCEMENT OF THE PNDT ACT) Since the sharp decline in child sex-ratio is the result of sex-selective feticide and the demand of the society for son preference due to deep-rooted psyche, it is imperative to block the availability of sex-determination/ selection facility which can be achieved exclusively with strict enforcement of the PC & PNDT Act. Monitoring of the pregnancy of women who are scanned during second trimester of pregnancy (focus on 14 to 18 weeks) by the ANMs/ health functionaries and proper scrutiny of record maintained by the ultrasound centers is definitely going to bring to book cases of sex-selective feticide. 2. INTERMEDIATE STEPS (AWARENESS GENERATION CAMPAIGN) Intensive and sustained awareness generation campaign in favor of the girl-child and various provisions of the PC & PNDT Act is required for sustained improvement in sex-ratio. It is the strong son preference mindset of the society which needs to be changed though social mobilization and awareness. 3. EMPOWERMENT OF THE WOMEN Sustained and long-term inter-departmental and inter-sectoral initiatives by the Union and State government are required for empowerment of the women e.g. better social security, reservation, education, employment etc. and steps for the cause of the girl-child. Politicians, Religious leaders, Law-makers, NGOs, Opinion leaders, Doctors, Para-medics, Media and Social leaders should come out openly for the cause of the girl-child and the women. 13

16 Small Family with desire for a son Division of Land by marginal farmers Social evils e.g. Dowry/ Social Insecurity, Old Traditions etc. MINDSET IN FAVOR OF SON IN THE FAMILY Son preference 1st order Son preference 2nd order Son preference 3rd order Son preference 4th order <20% >30% >30% >20% OPTIONS Ultrasound Amniocenteses Other Techniques *Non-invasive, Safe & Popular *Invasive & Not Desirable Old Herbal Medicines New Techniques 14

17 SEX SELECTIVE FOETICIDE AND APPROACH PARTICIPANTS Pregnant Women Ultrasonologists Abortionists/Medicines Estimated 5.3 lac PW Annually: Estimated wastage of Preg registered centers Estimated abortionists Many chemists selling medicines for inducing abortion BARRIERS/CONSTRAINTS IN APPROACH Reproductive right of women to conceive/abort under certain laid down conditions No complainant Work for money ACTION PLAN Difficult to nab as abortionists have family liaison Work for money Interdepartmental & intersectoral approach Empowerment of women Social Mobilization Awareness generation Many provisions under PC & PNDT Act to nab the violators Strict enforcement of the Act. Strict enforcement of the MTP Act 15

18 STRATEGY FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE PC & PNDT ACT IN PUNJAB STATE Registration of all the genetic/ultrasound centres has been ensured and legal proceedings have been initiated against unregistered centres. List of registered centres was published in a leading newspaper. All the District and Sub-divisional Appropriate Authorities have been repeatedly sensitized to various provisions of the PNDT Act. Advertisements on various important provisions of the PNDT Act to be followed by the ultrasonologists have been published in leading newspapers. Major penalties under the PNDT Act are widely publicized. Inspection format for convenience in undertaking inspection of US centres has been devised. Violations and Penalties thereupon have been simplified and circulated to all the Appropriate Authorities. Round the clock guidance is available to all the Appropriate Authorities to nab the violators of the Act at the state HQs. Inter-district inspections are got conducted from the state HQ. Surprise state level inspections are also carried out from time-to-time. Secret information is collected from the lower and mid level health functionaries (mostly ANMs and female class-iv employees) regarding ultrasound centers indulging into sexdetermination. It is very difficult to find a complainant under the PNDT Act as the Act of sex-determination is carried out with mutual consent of the family of the patient and the ultrasonologist. Even if statement of the patient or relatives regarding selective foeticide is recorded, usually the witnesses change their statement subsequently under pressure or allurement by the accused. There are enough powers vested with the Appropriate Authorities under Section 17, 20, 28, 29, 30 and Rule No. 9, 11 &12 to penalize the violators of the PNDT Act. The rules for maintaining proper record on form F for all the pregnant women scanned are tough enough and any centre allegedly indulging into the business of sex-determination and not maintaining proper record on form F under rule No.9 (for pregnant women scanned 16

19 especially during second trimester of pregnancy) is booked and penalized under section 20 or 28 or both. Any violation of rule No. 9 is to be read with section 29 & section 4 (3)(v) for launching a case under section 28 of the Act. Deficiencies in record keeping (in 2 nd trimester cases) amount to contravention of sec. 5 (communication of sex of foetus) or sec. 6 (determination of sex) unless contrary is proved by the ultrasonologist For minor to moderate irregularities in record keeping etc. action is taken under section 20 and preferably under section 20 (3) to avoid pressures and for taking instant action. Suspension of the registration is usually done for a period of one month and the equipment (ultrasound machine) is sealed for the period of suspension by the respective Appropriate Authority. Enforcement of the PNDT Act by various Appropriate Authorities is reviewed every month by the Secretary Health & Family Welfare. ****** 17

20 Date & Time of Inspection: INSPECTION FORMAT FOR ULTRASOUND CENTRE UNDER THE PC AND PNDT ACT/RULES Address of the Ultrasound Center Inspected: Name of Proprietor: Registration No.: Whether Registration Certificate displayed or Not: Whether Copy of PNDT Act available or Not: Proper display of undertaking: Disclosure of the sex of the foetus is prohibited under law : Yes/ No Name and qualifications of person actually doing Sonography: (Whether qualified or not as per Act) Record Keeping Consent Form G under Rule No. 10 (Mandatory for invasive techniques only) maintained: Yes/ No Revised Form F under PNDT Amendment Rules, 2003; Whether properly filled in and signed by ultrasonologists and pregnant woman examined: Yes/ No Whether register showing details of men/women subjected to pre-natal tests maintained: Yes/ No Report of ultrasonography under Rule No. 9(6) preserved Yes/ No Referral Slip in all cases maintained: Yes/ No (In cases of self referral, record of obstetrical check-up must be available) Random Scrutiny of OPD register/ cash memo/ ultrasound register to cross check whether record of all women examined under the PNDT Act has been maintained or not: Findings of inspection (Report) Members of the Inspection team: Any action taken/ suggested: 18 Signatures and designation of the officer I/C

21 SAMPLE OF ORDERS OF SUSPENSION UNDER SECTION 20 (3) OF THE PNDT ACT Office of the District/ Sub-divisional Appropriate Authority OFFICE ORDER I Dr. District Appropriate Authority/ Sub-divisional Appropriate Authority/ Officer duly authorized by me inspected your premises under rule No.11 of the PC & PNDT Act on dated and found the following deficiencies: These deficiencies amount to contravention of following provisions of the PC & PNDT Act and Rules Thus you have violated above mentioned provisions of the PC & PNDT Act/ Rules which is not in public interest and therefore I suspend your registration No. dated for a period of weeks /months w.e.f. under section 20(3) of the PC & PNDT Act, in compliance of functions assigned to me under section 17(4)(c). During the period of suspension your ultrasound machine will remain sealed in your own safe custody. In case you temper with the seals or your machine is detected to be in use during the period of suspension, you will be personally responsible for the same and further penal action can be initiated as per law. Dated: Signatures and designation Order No. Dated: 1. Copy forwarded to the Proprietor of the.. U/S Centre for compliance of the orders. 2. Copy forwarded to the District Appropriate Authority/ State Appropriate Authority for information. 19 Signatures and designation

22 INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE SEX-RATIO IN PUNJAB In view of the steep decline in child sex-ratio in the decade 1991 to 2001, implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex-Selection) Act 1994 is a top priority agenda of the Government. It includes enforcement of the Act as also social awareness campaign. IMPORTANT STEPS TAKEN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PC & PNDT ACT Appropriate Authorities have been appointed for the implementation of this Act. i.e. Senior Medical Officer of the Sub Divisional Hospital at the Sub Divisional Level (49), Civil Surgeon at the district level (20) and a Multi Member State Appropriate Authority at the state level. Chief Minister of Punjab directed the Deputy Commissioners to hold meetings with the ultrasonologists and include monitoring of sex-ratio as an agenda item during the monthly meetings at the district level. A High Level State Advisory Committee has been constituted and persons representing NGOs working for the cause of the women at the National level have been incorporated as members of the State Advisory Committee. Advisory Committees have been constituted at the district level (20) & sub-divisional level (49). A State Supervisory Board under the Chairmanship of Hon ble Health Minister has been constituted. Important provisions of the PNDT Act to be followed by the ultrasonologists were published in Newspapers ultrasound/genetic centers have been registered in the state. All the Appropriate Authorities in the state have been repeatedly sensitized to various provisions of the PNDT Act and its enforcement. Inter district inspections by the Civil Surgeons are undertaken to nab the violators of the PNDT Act. Surprise Inspections are also carried out by the State Officers so as to cross check the enforcement of the Act in various parts of the State. 20

23 Enforcement of the PNDT Act in the districts is reviewed every month at the State level. 99 court cases/ FIRs have been launched in the state for violation of the PNDT Act. In addition action has been taken against 290 centers in the form of suspension/ cancellation of registration. This is learnt to be highest figure of action taken against violators of the PNDT Act by any state in the country. Ten centers have been convicted, Dr. Santokh Singh of Jalandhar has been awarded 3 years imprisonment and fine of Rs. 9,000/-, Mr. Jagdish Singh Aulakh and Dr. Harjit Singh Kang both of district Jalandhar have been awarded 2 years imprisonment and fine of Rs.5,000/- each, Sh. Malkeet Singh of Ferozepur has been awarded 2 years imprisonment and fine Rs. 3,000/-. Dr. P.S.Bhandari of Muktsar has been awarded three years imprisonment and fine of Rs. 5,000/-, Dr. Rita Garg of Mansa & Dr. Parmod Kumar Gupta of Faridkot have been awarded 3 months imprisonment and fine Rs.1000/- each, two centres (one each in district Mohali and Fatehgarh Sahib) have been fined Rs.1000 each, one centre at Amritsar has been convicted and released on probation and penalty of Rs.400/- as cost and registration of the Doctor of this centre has been suspended for 2 years by the State Medical Council. Dr. Parmod Kumar Gupta of Faridkot has been discharged by the higher Court in the appeal filed by Dr. Gupta. AWARENESS GENERATION Intensive awareness generation activities have been undertaken for bringing about behavior change in the community for enhancing the worth of the girl-child as also for sensitizing the ultrasonologists and the public to important provisions of the PNDT Act. Hoardings depicting important clauses of the PC & PNDT Act are displayed in the state at present. Message on cause of the girl child and important provisions of the PNDT Act are displayed on 605 Bus side panels of Govt. owned Punjab Roadways and PRTC Buses at present. 21

24 Press Advertisements appealing to doctors, journalists, law enforcers and politicians have been inserted in leading newspapers of the region from time-to-time for soliciting the support of these influential groups for the cause of the girl-child posters were printed and distributed. Back bus panels were displayed for bringing awareness on punishments under the PNDT Act. Song and drama shows have been staged in all the 141 blocks of the State. These stage shows highlight various socio-cultural issues influencing the mindset of the community. Exclusive girl-child competitions have been organized for under two year girl-child in the State. The selected baby girls are awarded Kisan Vikas Patras worth Rs.500/- and 300/- as 1 st and 2 nd prize which on maturity are used for school education of these girls. Istri Sehat Sabha members, NGOs and Anganwari Workers have been actively involved for promoting the cause of the girl-child. AWARENESS GENERATION THROUGH MEDIA Lot of social mobilization has been undertaken through the media. Newspapers, television, cable network, radio and folk media alongwith exhibitions and outdoor publicity have been used for spreading the message against female foeticide. Doordarshan and Cable TV has universal outreach in Punjab in view of this TV spots were telecast from Doordarshan Jalandhar and Chandigarh as well as 100 cable stations in the State in the recent past. Focused theme based newspapers advertisements on festivals/ days were also inserted for evoking social sentiment in favour of the girl-child. One such advertisement was published in leading newspapers of the region on the occasion of Navratras and Ashtami. Similarly, Radio spot from Primary and FM Channel at Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda and Chandigarh was utilized for creating awareness about the PC and PNDT Act. COORDINATION WITH THE JUDICIARY A Judicial colloquium was organized on 3 rd December, 2006 at Chandigarh by Human Rights Law Network in coordination with the Health department for sensitization of the Judicial Officers to the menace of female foeticide in this part of the country. 22

25 Punjab Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Health department organized a big seminar at Patiala which was chaired by Hon ble Chief Justice of India Sh. Y.K. Sabharwal and presided over by Hon ble Chief Minister. Mr. Justice Ashok Bhan, a senior Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mr. Justice Vijender Jain, Many Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court attended the seminar. Deputy Commissioners, Judicial Officers, Police Officers, elected representatives from the Zila Parishads, Municipal Corporations and other Officers/ representatives from many districts besides Civil Surgeons, Senior Doctors and Ultrasonologists from across the state and local students also participated. Chief Justice of India exhorted the participants to spread awareness at the grass root level to stop female foeticide. Mr. Justice Ashok Bhan and Mr. Justice Vijender Jain spoke at length on causes of skewed sex-ratio in Punjab and stressed that social awareness and welfare schemes for the girl-child and women are essential for curbing sex-selected foeticide and PNDT Act alone cannot serve the purpose. The Punjab Legal Services Authority is organizing many seminars at the District and Sub-Divisional level in the state for social mobilization so as to bring a change in the mindset of the society in favor of the girl child. Hon ble Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court Mr. Justice Vijender Jain is personally addressing the seminars. COORDINATION WITH THE CIVIL SOCIETY The Panchayats have been involved in the campaign for the cause of the girl-child. Incentives in the form of cash prize of Rs.3 lac for Panchayats that achieve a child sex-ratio (0 to 6 years) of 1000 in a financial year and a prize of Rs.2.5 lac for Panchayats which achieve child sex-ratio of 951 to 1000 in a financial year were introduced. A total of 11 Panchayats have been awarded Rs.3 lac each during the financial year so as to involve the civil society in the campaign to improve sex-ratio in the state. This year, there is provision to award Rs. 1.5 lac each to 20 outstanding Panchayats that achieve child sex-ratio of 1000 or more. Jathedars of Takahat Shri Damdama Sahib and Anandpur Sahib have come forward in a big way in lending cooperation and support in improving sex-ratio in the state as their preaching and advocacy has a lot of impact on the mindset of the society. 23

26 Indian Medical Association (IMA) is extending full support to the Health Department in its fight against sex selective foeticide. Plan India and Voluntary Health Association India organized workshops at Chandigarh for sensitization of the MLAs and Confederation of Indian Industry to the cause of the girl-child. UNFPA is extending full support for improving sex-ratio in the State. BALRI RAKSHAK YOJNA The State Govt. has launched Balri Rakshak Yojna a state funded scheme, for promotion of cause of the girl-child. Incentive is paid for adopting terminal method of sterilization after the birth of only one or two girl and Rs.700/- respectively. 192 beneficiaries have already been registered. ACHIEVEMENT As a result of enforcement of the PNDT Act and awareness generation activities undertaken in the state, there is a sense of fear amongst the Ultrasonologists indulging into wrong practices and there is a slight improvement in sex-ratio in the state as per SRS data. In the age group of 0-4 years, sex-ratio in Punjab in the year 2006 has increased by 25 points to 821 from 796 in the year * * * * * 24

27 Organizational Structure of the PNDT cell in the office of Directorate of Family Welfare, Parivar Kalyan Bhawan, Sector 34, Chandigarh 1. Dr. S.P.S. Sohal, Director Health & Family Welfare: Chairperson, Multimember State Appropriate Authority. 2. Sh. Ram Lal Gupta, Additional Advocate General, Member Multimember State Appropriate Authority. 3. Mrs. Saroj Malhotra, Social Activist, House No. 24, Defence Colony, Jalandhar Member Multimember State Appropriate Authority. 4. Dr. V.K. Goyal, Assistant Director: State Nodal Officer PC & PNDT Act 5. Sh. Toshpinder Singh: Senior Assistant in the office. ORGANISATION OF THE STATE SUPERVISORY BOARD (Notification No.10/230/88-3HBIV/20428 Dated 20 th August, 2007) 1. Minister Incharge Health & Family Welfare Chairperson Ex-officio 2. Principal Secretary Health and F.W. Vice Chairperson Ex-officio 3. Principal Secretary Woman and Child Development Ex-officio 4. Secretary Social Welfare or their representative Ex-officio 5. Secretary Law Department Ex-officio 6. Director Health Services Ex-officio 7. Mrs. Razia Sultana, MLA Malerkotla Member 8. Mrs. Rajbans Kaur, MLA Kapurthala Member 9. Mrs. Harchand Kaur, MLA Sherpur Member 10. Mrs. Pam Rajput # 2064, Sec-15-C, 1st Floor, Chandigarh, Ph. No Mrs. Veena Sharma, (off) # 2439, Sec-37-C, Chandigarh, Ph. No Mrs. Gurcharan Kaur, Ex-MP Suniarian Wali Gali, Near Bus-stand, Mirza Patti, Panj Garaian, Faridkot Social Scientist Legal Expert Women activist Member Member Member 25

28 13. Mrs. Neelam Prabha, Ex-Prof. DAV College Amritsar # 104, Professor Colony, Tilak Nagar, Amritsar 14. Dr. Jasjit Chhachhi, No. 48, New Garden Colony, Amritsar 15. Dr. Harbir Kaur Bajwa, Ex-Addl. DHS, Pb. # 2149, Sec-35-C, Chandigarh 16. Dr. Kulbhushan Sharda, Milap Chowk, Near LIC Building, Pucca Bagh, Jalandhar Phone No Dr. Vimal Chhabra, No. 175, D-Block, Ranjit Avenue Amritsar 18. Dr. Simi Garg Asst. Professor Radiology G.G.S. Medical College Faridkot 19. Dr. Reenu Singla, Radiologist, Civil Hospital Ferozepur Women activist Eminent Gynecologist Eminent Gynecologist Paediatrician Paediatrician Radiologist Radiologist Member Member Member Member Member Member Member 20. Director Family Welfare Member Secretary Ex-officio 21. Assistant Director PNDT Co-opted Member Ex-officio 22. State Mass Media & Education Officer O/O DHS Co-opted Member Ex-officio 26

29 FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE SUPERVISORY BOARD 1. To create public awareness against the practice of pre-conception sex selection and pre-natal determination of sex of foetus leading to female foeticide in the State. 2. To review the activities of the Appropriate Authorities functioning in the State and recommend appropriate action against them. 3. To monitor the implementation of provisions of the Act and the rules and make suitable recommendations relating thereto, to the Board. 4. To send such consolidated reports as may be prescribed in respect of the various activities undertaken in the State under the Act to the Board and the Central Government, and 5. Any other functions as may be prescribed under the Act. 27

30 DISTRICT LEVEL APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES (Civil Surgeons) Amritsar Dr. Lembhar Singh (TF) Bathinda Dr. Neelam Bajaj , (R) Barnala Dr. SMS Sidhu , F: Faridkot Dr. S.S Mahia , , Fatehgarh Sahib Dr. Satwant Bhalla (T.F) Ferozepur Dr. Balbir Singh (T.F), Gurdaspur Dr. R.S. Rana (T.F) Hoshiarpur Dr. S.K. Gupta Jalandhar Dr. Swaran Singh Walia , Kapurthala Ranbir Singh , Ludhiana Dr. S.P. Sharma F: Mansa Dr. G.S. Nagi , F: Moga Dr. Adarsh Sood Mohali Dr. Avtar Singh (F), Muktsar Dr. J.S. Chauhan Nawanshahar Dr. C.S. Brar (TF), Patiala Dr. Kuldeep Kaur (T&F) Ropar Sangrur Tarn Taran Dr. Arjan Singh Gill Dalip Kumar Dr. Amrit Kaur (TF), , PP:

31 LIST OF SUB-DIVISIONAL APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES District Amritsar 1. Senior Medical Officer Baba Bakala 2. Senior Medical Officer Ajnala District Bathinda 3. Senior Medical Officer Talwandi Sabo 4. Senior Medical Officer Rampura Phool District Faridkot 5. Senior Medical Officer Jaito District Fatehgarh Sahib 6. Senior Medical Officer Amloh 7. Senior Medical Officer Bassi Pathana 8. Senior Medical Officer Nandapur Klor District Ferozepur 9. Senior Medical Officer Zira 10. Senior Medical Officer Fazilka 11. Senior Medical Officer Jalalabad 12. Senior Medical Officer Abohar District Gurdaspur 13. Senior Medical Officer Batala

32 14. Senior Medical Officer Pathankot 15. Senior Medical Officer Dera Baba Nanak 16. Senior Medical Officer Bugal Badhani District Hoshiarpur 17. Senior Medical Officer Dasuya 18. Senior Medical Officer Garshankar 19. Senior Medical Officer Mukerian District Jalandhar 20. Senior Medical Officer Nakodar 21. Senior Medical Officer Phillaur 22. Senior Medical Officer Shahkot District Kapurthala 23. Senior Medical Officer Bholatha 24. Senior Medical Officer Phagwara 25. Senior Medical Officer Sultangpur Lodhi District Ludhiana 26. Senior Medical Officer Khanna 27. Senior Medical Officer Samrala

33 28. Senior Medical Officer Jagraon 29. Senior Medical Officer Payal 30. Senior Medical Officer Raikot District Mansa 31. Senior Medical Officer Bhudlada 32. Senior Medical Officer Sardulgarh District Moga 33. Senior Medical Officer Nihalsinghwala 34. Senior Medical Officer Bagha Purana District Mohali 35. Senior Medical Officer Dera Bassi 36. Senior Medical Officer Kharar District Muktsar 37. Senior Medical Officer Malout 38. Senior Medical Officer Giddarbaha District Nawanshahar 39. Senior Medical Officer Balachaur District Patiala 40. Senior Medical Officer Rajpura 41. Senior Medical Officer Samana 42. Senior Medical Officer Nabha

34 District Ropar 43. Senior Medical Officer Anandpur Sahib District Sangrur 44. Senior Medical Officer Barnala 45. Senior Medical Officer Malerkotla 46. Senior Medical Officer Sunam 47. Senior Medical Officer Dhuri 48. Senior Medical Officer Moonak District Taran Taran 49. Senior Medical Officer Patti 50. Senior Medical Officer Khador Sahib

35 FUNCTIONS OF APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES a. To grant, suspend or cancel registration of a Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or Genetic Clinic, b. To enforce standards prescribed for the Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory and Genetic Clinic, c. To investigate complaints of breach of the provisions of this Act or the rules made there under and take immediate action, d. To seek and consider the advice of the Advisory Committee, on application for registration and on complaints for suspension or cancellation of registration, e. To take appropriate legal action against the use of any sex selection technique by any person at any person at any place suo- motu or brought to its notice and also to intimate independent investigations in such matter, f. To create public awareness against the practice of sex selection or pre-natal determination of sex, g. To supervise the implementation of the provisions of the Act and rules, h. To recommend to the Board and State Boards modifications required in the rules in accordance with changes in technology or social conditions, i. To take action on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee made after investigation of complaint for suspension or cancellation of registration. 33

36 CONSTITUTION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT DISTRICT LEVEL (Notification No.10/230/88-3HBIV/37968 Dated 8 th December 1999) 1. One Gynecologist/ Obstetrician Chairperson 2. One Pediatrician from Civil Hospital of the concerned District Member 3. Medical Specialist from Civil Hospital of the concerned District Member 4. Legal Expert (nominated by Distt. Attorney of the District Member 5. District MEIO Member Secretary 6. Three eminent social workers of whom one should be representative of women organization as nominated by the Civil Surgeon of the Distt. Member CONSTITUTION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES AT SUB-DIVISION LEVEL (Notification No.10/230/88-3HBIV/13977 Dated 20 th June 2001) 1. One Gynecologist/ Obstetrician from the Civil Hospital of the concerned Sub-division Chairperson 2. One Paediatrician from Civil Hospital of the concerned Sub-division Member 3. Medical Specialist from Civil Hospital of the concerned Sub-division Member 4. Legal Expert (nominated by Distt. Attorney of the Distt. Member 5. One Block Extension Educator from the concerned Sub-division Member 6. Three eminent social workers of whom one should be representative of Womens organizations as nominated by the Civil Surgeon of the Distt Member 34

37 STATUS REPORT OF COURT CASES/FIRS IN PUNJAB Alleged Sex-determination/ selection: i. Dr. Sukhpal Singh Mahal Tungwali Nursing Home, District Bathinda ii. Smt. Mohinder Kaur Tak and Dr. Gurdip Singh, Jail Road, District Bathinda iii. Dr. Vijay Kumar, Vijay Nursing Home, Maur Mandi, District Bathinda iv. Singla Nursing Home and Ultrasound Centre of Dr. Sat Pal Singla and Dr. Shashi Singla, Maur Mandi, District Bathinda v. Kiran Nursing Home, of Dr. Kiran Garg and Ranjit Kaur, Maur Mandi, District Bathinda vi. Bansal Scan Center, District Hoshiarpur vii. Dr. Harjinder Kaur Bedi, Sharnajit Hospital, District Jalandhar viii. Dr. Neetu Likhi, Sh. Rama Charitable Hospital, Prabhat Chowk, Dholewal, District Ludhiana ix. Dr. Davinder Kaur, Saran Hospital Mulanpur, District Ludhiana x. Suri Hospital, Balachaur, District Nawanshahar xi. Dr. Saroj Bala, District Ludhiana. (FIR cancelled by police on ) xii. Vaid Mahesh Kumar Sharma, Banur, District Patiala (discharged on ) xiii. Vaid Ram Murti, Banur, District Patiala (case dropped due to accused death) xiv. Aggarwal General and Dental Clinic Longowal, District Sangrur xv. Dr. Surinder Kumar Jain, Surindera U/S Scan, Malerkotla, District Sangrur xvi. Dr. K.K. Sood, Krishna Scan Center Banga xvii. Dr. Harjit Singh Kang, Jalandhar (Awarded 2yrs imprisonment & fined Rs. 5,000/- on ) xviii. Sh. Varish Kumar Vardaan Medical Center Mota Singh Nagar, JLD xix. Dr. M.K. Gawri, Gawri Nursing Home, Muktsar Out of 19 court cases/ FIRs, 1 convicted, 3 discharged, 15 cases pending Alleged foeticide: i. Mehrok Hospital, Gehri Mandi (Jandiala Guru), District Amritsar ii. Dr. Gurbax Singh Chahal, Chahal Hospital, Mansa and Sukhmani Hospital, Goniana of Dr. Bija Mal and Dr. Suman Lata and Smt. Amrit Pal Kaur w/o Harchet Singh, Balianwali and Smt. Amar Kaur w/o Roop Singh, Bhaini Bagha, Distt Bathinda (dismissed but petition u/s 482 Cr PC has been filed in High Court) iii. Dr. Laxmi Garg, Garg Nursing Home, Rampura Phool, District Bathinda 35

38 iv. Dr. Amar Singh Brar and others District Bathinda v. Dr. R.P. Singh, Bela Chowk, Ropar, 2. Surinder Kaur W/o Gurmet Singh, Village Kale Majra, 3. Devinder Kaur Village Kale Majra, District Fatehgarh Sahib vi. Smt. Manjit Badhan W/o Jagdish Lal Badhan, Balachaur, District Nawanshahar (case discharged on giving benefit of doubt) vii. Sahib Hospital, Patran, District Patiala Out of 7 court cases/ FIRs, 1 discharged, 6 cases pending Record keeping: i. Satyam Diagnostics, Ohri Hospital, Putlighar G.T. Road, District Amritsar. (convicted, medical registration suspended for 5 years, revision petition filed in the High court for enhancement of punishment) ii. American Diagnostics G.T. Road, District Amritsar. (Dismissed on ) iii. Sahib Nursing Home, District Taran Taran. iv. Amol Nursing Home, Chabhal, District Taran Taran. v. Gupta Nursing Home & Ultrasound Scan Centre, Chabhal, District Taran Taran vi. Rishi Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Chitra Dhawan, Dhawan Hospital, Bhikhiwind, Patti, District Amritsar vii. Dr. Chander Gupta, Ludhiana Diagnostic & Research Centre, Sadiq Road, District Faridkot (case discharged on ) viii. Dr. Raj Kumar Garg, Kumar Hospital & U/s centre Kotkapura, District Faridkot ix. Dr. Manvir Gupta, Prithipal Singh Memorial Hospital Kotkapura & Dr. Raminderjeet Kaur MO CH Kotkapura, District Faridkot x. Mahesh Nursing Home, Sirhind, District Fatehgarh Sahib xi. Dr. V. K. Dharni, Ludhiana Clinic & Nursing Home, Khamano, District Fatehgarh Sahib (centre fined Rs.1000/- on ) xii. Dr. Ishwar Dass Shalley, Prop. Shalley Nursing Home, Sirhind, District Fatehgarh Sahib xiii. Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon, Dhillon Scan Center Dhariwal, District Gurdaspur xiv. Dr. Shashi Bala, Shashi Nursing Home, Una Road, District Hoshiarpur xv. Dr. Satwant Singh, Kartar Hospital, Begowal, District Kapurthala xvi. Dr. Kulwant Kaur, Takkar Hospital, Sutanpur Ludhi, District Kapurthala (discharged due to lack of evidence on ) xvii. BBS Scan Center, District Kapurthala xviii. Dr. Akhil Malhotra, Phagwara, District Kapurthala 36

39 xix. Pushpa Maternity and Nursing Home, District Mansa xx. Dr. Neelam Kohli, City Diagnostic Centre, Kharar, District Mohali (case fined Rs.1000/- on ) xxi. Dr. P.S. Bhandari, P.S. Bhandari U/s Scan Centre, Malout, Distt. Muktsar (dismissed on , appeal filled in the fast track court) xxii. Mohindra Hospital, District Nawanshahar xxiii. Garg Hospital and Maternity Centre, 7 Dhillon Marg, Model Town, District Patiala xxiv. Aggarwal Ultrasound Centre, Tehsil Road Samana, District Patiala xxv. Dr. Charanjit Singh, Subh Karan Eye Hospital, Morinda, District Ropar (case decidedaccused discharged) xxvi. Dr. Pushqap Lata, Mital Maternity & Scan Centre Barnala, District Sangrur xxvii. Harbans Ultrasound and City Scan Centre, District Sangrur xxviii. Delhi Medical Centre and Hospital Dirhba, District Sangrur xxix. Dr. Renu Garg, Holy Children Hospital Bath. (2) Harbans Kaur MPHW (3) Parmjit Kaur w/o Jagmail Singh Out of 29 court cases/ FIRs, 3 convicted, 3 discharged, 23 cases pending Unregistered Centres: i. Shivala Diagnostics, Rana Nursing Home, District Amritsar. ii. Philips Medical Systems Pvt. Lmt., District Bathinda iii. Dr. Parmod Kumar Gupta, Medical Officer, Tilak Ram Hospital, Kotkapura, District Faridkot (Convicted, awarded 3months RI with fine of Rs. 1,000/-) [Case discharged on ] iv. HS Khagura, Khagura Nursing Home, Bus stand, District Faridkot (Case discharged on ) v. Sood Scan Heart Diagnostic Centre, Kot Fatuhi, District Hoshiarpur vi. Dr. R.P. Singh, Sumeet Hospital, Jandiala, District Jalandhar (accused expired, case dropped) vii. Guru Nanak Hospital Bhogpur, District Jalandhar viii. Dr. Santokh Singh, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, District Jalandhar (awarded 3 yrs imprisonment and fine Rs. 9,000/-) ix. Dr. Rashmi, R.K. Memorial Hospital, Machhiwara, District Ludhiana x. Dr. Sukwinder Kaur, GD Hospital, Sarabha Nagar, District Ludhiana xi. Arora Neuro Centre, 120 The Mall Ludhiana, District Ludhiana 37

40 xii. Rajindra Ultrasound Centre, District Mansa (convicted, Dr. Rita Garg awarded 3 months imprisonment and fine Rs.1000/- case pending) xiii. Dr. Ramandeep Singh, Indus Hospital, Phase 3B1, District Mohali. xiv. Dr. Harinder Batra, Batra Ultrasound Centre, Phase IX, District Mohali. xv. Dr. Janjeet Singh, Anandpur Sahib, District Ropar. Out of 15 court cases/ FIRs, 2 convicted, 1 discharged, 12 cases pending Advertisement: i. Bhola Singh Godhian, Raman Mandi, District Bathinda ii. Jagdamba Jyotish Kender, Abohar, District Ferozepur iii. Malkeet Singh, S/o Sh. Joginder Singh Malluwala Dawakhana, Mallanwala, Ferozepur (Awarded 2 yrs imprisonment & fined Rs. 3,000/- on ) iv. Jagdish Singh Aulakh, Aulakh Hospital, Opp. Rly. Station Kathar, District Jalandhar (Awarded 2 yrs imprisonment & fine Rs. 5000/- on ) v. Vaid Prem Parbhakar, Near Ganesh Market, Pindi Street, District Ludhiana vi. Dr. Zail Singh Rajput, Rajput Hospital, Kharar, District Mohali Out of 6 court cases/ FIRs, 2 convicted, 4 cases pending Miscellaneous: i. Golden Diagnostic Centre, District Amritsar ii. Doctor Diagnostic Centre, Hide Market, District Amritsar iii. Garg Ultrasound Scan centre Maur Mandi District Bathinda (ii) Principal MM Medical College Mullana, District Ambala iv. Dr. Kiranjit Bajaj, Bajaj Nursing Home, Mandi Gobind Garh, District Fatehgarh Sahib v. Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Monga, Dashmesh Hospital, Talwandi Bhai, District Ferozepur (case dismissed in year 2004) vi. Ghai Maternity Hospital, Phillaur, District Jalandhar vii. Dr. R.K. Sharma, Sharma Ultrasound Scanning Centre, Kapurthala Chowk, District Jalandhar viii. Dr. S.P. Goyal, Begowal, District Kapurthala ix. Dr Anil Munjal, Brown Road, District Ludhiana x. Dr. A.S. Chhabra, Field Gunj, District Ludhiana xi. Goyal Hospital and Ultrasound Centre Kale Ke Road, Baghapurana, District Moga xii. D. C. Hospital Kot Issa Khan, District Moga 38

41 xiii. Dr. U.S. Suri, Suri Hospital, Bhaddi Road, Balachaur (Radha Swami U/S Scan centre) Distt. Nawanshahar (case discharged on ) xiv. Dr. Poonam Anand, Banga district Nawanshahar (Dr. Poonam was arrested on ) xv. Amar Clinic, Near Bus Stand, District Patiala (case discharged) xvi. Neelam Nursing Home, Rajpura, District Patiala (case discharged in year 2004) xvii. Bharat Ultrasound Centre, Chhoti Baradari, District Patiala (case discharged in 2003) xviii. Mr. T.K. Chaudhary U/s Centre, Rajpura, District Patiala xix. Dr. Surinder Pal Jakhu, Alfa Diagnostic Centre, Morinda, District Ropar (discharged) xx. Dr. G.S. Dhawan, AP Memorial Hospital, Guruharsahai, District Ropar xxi. Dr. Narinder Pal Singh S/o Sant Avtar Singh, Anandpur Sahib, District Ropar xxii. Khosla Hospital, Bhawanigarh, District Sangrur xxiii. Dr. Surinder Kumar Jain, Surindera U/S Scan, Malerkotla, District Sangrur Out of 23 court cases/ FIRs, 6 discharged, 17 cases pending Status of Court Cases: Out of 99 court cases/ FIRs, 10 convictions (2 cases not closed), 2 dropped due-to death of accused,) 13 discharged/ dismissed and 74 cases pending. 39

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