Maharashtra to Unify Sex-Selective Practices Crackdown

Maharashtra is set to implement a unified statewide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enhance the coordinated efforts of its police and health departments. This crucial step aims to bolster the enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. The decision, formalized at a recent high-level meeting in Pune, addresses persistent gaps in implementing these vital laws. Officials from four key districts reviewed pending cases and conviction rates, particularly in light of ongoing crackdowns on illegal sex determination and abortion networks in western Maharashtra. To combat offenders exploiting jurisdictional loopholes, a state-level information-sharing mechanism is proposed. This will ensure swift communication of offenses registered in one district to others, improving overall enforcement efficiency. The SOP will also advocate for fast-track courts, prompt sealing of sonography machines used in illegal activities, and strict action against the online sale of abortion pills. Preventive measures are also being emphasized, including community-based interventions such as counseling families with a first-born girl child and awareness workshops. These efforts, supported by ASHA workers and women's vigilance committees, aim to strengthen community surveillance against sex-selective practices. Health officials are currently gathering inputs to finalize a comprehensive SOP by August 5, targeting improved investigation and prosecution of violations.