Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao expressed deep concern over the declining sex ratio in the state and announced a decisive crackdown on those involved in prenatal sex determination and female foeticide. Addressing a high-level review meeting held in Chandigarh, she issued a stern warning that anyone found involved in the heinous crime of female foeticide would face stringent legal action.
She categorically stated that killing daughters in the womb is not only a punishable offence under the law but also an unforgivable social sin that will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Health Minister adopted a strict stance toward districts where the sex ratio remains unsatisfactory. In this regard, she summoned the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of five districts, including Gurugram, Mahendragarh and Charkhi Dadri, and sought accountability from them.
She directed officials to maintain round-the-clock surveillance on anti-social elements and illegal centres engaged in clandestine sex determination and illegal abortions. Officials in districts bordering neighbouring states were specifically instructed to keep a close watch on networks that take women across state borders for sex determination tests.
Arti Singh Rao further clarified that the Health Department should work in close coordination with the police in this campaign. She informed that all district police chiefs have been instructed to ensure full cooperation with health teams and provide all necessary support in tackling such illegal activities.
To strengthen awareness at the grassroots level, the Minister emphasized enhancing the role of ASHA and Anganwadi workers. She said these frontline workers should be encouraged to collaborate with village panchayats, sarpanches and other public representatives to educate communities about the alarming consequences of a declining sex ratio and the importance of protecting the girl child.
She also advised officials to make maximum use of social media in the current era. Directing the department to prepare informative content highlighting the dangers of female foeticide and the importance of daughters, she said such material should be widely disseminated through digital platforms.
The objective is to bring about a positive change in the mindset of pregnant women and their families and encourage them to become active participants in the government's “Beti Bachao” campaign. Arti Singh Rao further stressed that awareness and enforcement must go hand in hand. She called upon officials to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and dismantling networks involved in illegal sex determination and female foeticide, ensuring that strict action is taken against all offenders.
The meeting was attended by Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Sumita Misra, Director General Health Services Dr. Manish Bansal, and several other senior administrative officials.