Expressing concern over the poor sex ratio in the coastal Odisha, Health and Family Welfare Minister Damodar Rout on Tuesday called upon the Executive Magistrates to accord the highest priority to Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and its implementation with strict vigil on misuse of the technology.
“It is a matter of great concern that when the sex ratio in tribal dominated areas is increasing, the same is decreasing in coastal districts of the State. While the sex ratio in Nayagarh, Dhenkanal and Angul districts stood at 904, 925 and 937, respectively, as per 2001 census, it decreased to 855, 877 and 889 in as per the 2011 census,” the Minister said while addressing a colloquium for Executive Magistrates on PCPNDT Act.
Dr Rout said, “We have a strong PCPNDT Act. The Executive Magistrates should ensure its strict implementation at grassroots levels, besides concentrating on awareness campaigns.”
NRHM Director Roopa Mishra highlighted the various aspects of women and children safety. Sub-Collectors, Tehsildars and Executive Magistrates of 25 districts attended the colloquium.