Punjab Government is all set to bring the activities of privately-run ultrasound centres across the State under lens by hiring private detectives.
The move is aimed at checking the illegal sex determination tests undergoing in the ultrasound centres. The State, as per Census 2011, has the low sex ratio of 893 females per 1,000 males.
The State has also decided to take a strict action against those indulged in illegal detection of sex.
In this regard, Civil Surgeons have been directed to keep an eagle's eye on the activities of all the ultrasound centres being privately run in the State to catch Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique Act (PC-PNDT Act) violators.
The State Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Vini Mahajan said that the step has been taken to keep a vigil on those involved in malpractices like sex-determination test and female foeticide.
"The move also holds significance in view of the fast-changing technology that is reportedly being misused by such elements, to earn a fast buck," he said.
The idea was conceived in the meeting of the State Supervisory Board of PC-PNDT, she said.
Mahajan said that it was felt that the violators, at times, misuse latest technology for sex-determination of foetus. "Thus, it was felt that taking help of professional detectives to track such offenders would be fruitful in curbing the menace of female foeticide," she said.
Once these detective agencies are finalised, they shall conduct sting operations on centers, professional or individuals suspected to be indulging in unfair practice of sex-determination and violating the provision of PC-PNDT Act, she said.
"These detectives shall provide authentic proofs and evidences to the department of Health and Family Welfare after which further legal action will be pursued against the violators," she said.
Earlier, these directions were also issued by the State Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani.
A cash award of `one lakh, which was earlier `20,000, was also announced to the person giving any of information about the ultrasound centres indulging in illegal detection of sex in Punjab.
Mahajan said that the department has already issued public notice in the newspapers inviting 'Expression of Interest' from reputed detective agencies for empanelment with the Department of Health and Family Welfare on or before November 27.