RAJOURI: Under the guidance of District Development Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, the Department of Social Welfare organized an awareness programme on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act today. The initiative aimed to educate stakeholders on the objectives and provisions of the Act, which seeks to prevent pre-natal sex selection and ensure the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques solely for lawful purposes.
The event saw active participation from Anganwadi and ASHA workers, students from the Nursing College, representatives from the One Stop Centre and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), supervisors from the ICDS Department, officials from laboratories and ultrasound clinics, and personnel from the Social Welfare Department.
Key resource persons included Chief Prosecution Officer Shahin Khan; Dr. Neelam Sharma from the Health Department; P.D. Sharma and Dr. Gayandish from the Veteran Citizens Forum; Mohammad Anwar from the District Legal Services Authority; and the District Social Welfare Officer. They discussed the legal framework of the Act, penalties for violations, and the ethical obligations of medical practitioners.
Speakers also emphasized the community’s role in reporting violations, the urgent need to address the declining child sex ratio, and the importance of promoting gender equity and safeguarding the rights of the girl child. Participants were briefed on the Act’s provisions, vigilance mechanisms, and government initiatives aimed at strengthening gender justice.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, during which participants shared their perspectives and pledged to spread awareness at the grassroots level, contributing to a more gender-just and equitable society.
