Maharashtra Forms State Task Force To Combat Female Foeticide And Improve Sex Ratio

The Maharashtra government has established a state-level task force to prevent female foeticide and illegal abortions and improve the sex ratio at birth. Dr Neelam Gorhe, a Legislative Council member, has been appointed chairperson of the task force, as per a Government Resolution issued by the Public Health Department.

The task force includes Legislative Council members Dr Pragya Satav, Bhavana Gawali, Chitra Wagh, Uma Khapare and Dr Manisha Kayande, along with Assembly members Sneha Dube Pandit and Shweta Mahale. The Additional Director of the State Family Welfare Office, Pune, will serve as member secretary.

The move follows reported violations of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. The task force will conduct field visits and surprise inspections of sonography and abortion centres, recommend enforcement measures and suggest awareness initiatives.