Amending of PNDT Act

The PC & PNDT Act, 1994 was enacted for prohibition of sex selection before or after conception and for prevention of misuse of pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic techniques for sex determination and not for causing harassment of radiologists.

Maintenance and preservation of records, prescribed under the PC & PNDT Act and Rules made thereunder is a statutory compliance. Any deficiency or inaccuracy found therein shall amount to contravention of the provisions of the PC & PNDT Act, 1994 and Rules framed thereunder. Non-display of notice board or not keeping handbook on PNDT Act is contravention of the provisions of the PC & PNDT Rules, 1996.

As per the recommendation of the Central Supervisory Board in its meeting held in April, 2016, an Expert Committee was constituted to propose and review the amendments to the PC & PNDT Act, 1994 and rules framed thereunder. The meeting of the Expert Committee was held on 4th July, 2016. As per the provisions of the Act, the recommendations, if any proposed by the Committee are required to be placed before the CSB.

Any registered medical professional or any person who owns a Genetic Clinic, Genetic Counselling Centre, Genetic Laboratory or is employed or rendering his/her services in such centre, on honorary basis or otherwise, and who contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or Rules made thereunder shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees. 

Once the charges are framed/ or conviction is secured against any registered medical professional, the name shall be reported by the Appropriate Authority  to the State Medical Council concerned for taking necessary action as below: 

• On framing charges, suspension of registration till the case is disposed

• On conviction, removal of name from the register of the Medical Council for five years

Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Faggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.