Maharashtra To Strengthen PCPNDT Act Enforcement To Prevent Female Foeticide, Says Minister Prakash Abitkar

The Maharashtra government has announced plans to strengthen the implementation of the PCPNDT Act across the state in a major push to prevent female foeticide and improve monitoring mechanisms related to prenatal diagnostic practices.

Maharashtra Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar on Tuesday stressed the need for stronger coordination, stricter enforcement and wider public participation to achieve the core objectives of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

Maharashtra Pushes For Stronger Action Against Female Foeticide

Chairing a meeting of the State Inspection and Monitoring Committee at Arogya Bhavan in Mumbai, the minister said the state government has adopted a strict approach towards the effective implementation of the PCPNDT Act.

He stated that preventing female foeticide requires not only legal enforcement but also strong cooperation between administrative departments, healthcare authorities and public representatives.

According to officials, the government is now working towards creating a more structured and coordinated monitoring framework to strengthen implementation at the ground level.

Dedicated Coordination Mechanism Planned

Minister Abitkar emphasised the need for establishing a dedicated administrative mechanism and specialised coordination system involving all departments connected with the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act.

He said streamlined procedures, stronger monitoring and better inter-departmental communication would help improve the effectiveness of the law and ensure quicker action wherever violations are detected.

Officials stated that the proposed system is expected to improve supervision, inspections and overall implementation across Maharashtra.

Public Awareness To Become Major Focus

The minister also highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns in tackling female foeticide and protecting gender equality.

He appealed to committee members, healthcare authorities and public representatives to actively participate in awareness initiatives and community outreach programmes within their respective constituencies.

According to the government, increasing awareness about the social impact of female foeticide and the legal provisions under the PCPNDT Act will form an important part of the state’s broader strategy.

Government Aims For Better Monitoring And Implementation

During the meeting, several suggestions were reportedly discussed regarding strengthening the implementation framework and improving enforcement efficiency.

Minister Abitkar assured committee members that their recommendations would be considered while enhancing monitoring systems and administrative coordination.

Senior officials including Principal Secretary Nipun Vinayak, Additional Director Dr. Sandeep Sangale and other health department representatives were present during the review meeting.

Focus On Achieving Original Objectives Of The Law

The Maharashtra government stated that the ultimate objective remains the strict prevention of sex-selective practices and ensuring that the PCPNDT Act achieves its intended social purpose.

Officials believe stronger enforcement, improved coordination and wider public participation can help build a more effective system to combat female foeticide and promote gender equality across the state.