In a decisive move to combat the deep-rooted issue of female foeticide, Punjab's Health Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, has announced an ambitious goal for the state. He declared that Punjab must surpass the national average in improving its sex ratio by the next year, calling for unwavering vigilance from the entire healthcare machinery.
Minister Calls for Constant Vigilance and Tracking
Chairing a state-level workshop on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PC-PNDT) in Chandigarh, Dr Balbir Singh directed all civil surgeons and healthcare workers, including ASHA workers, to maintain constant monitoring of pregnancies. He emphasized that active tracking of every pregnant woman is essential to prevent the unethical practice of sex selection. The minister stated there is no crime worse than killing a girl child, urging officials to ensure strict compliance with the law.
He highlighted the significance of the PC-PNDT Act, enacted in 1994 and strengthened in 2003, which prohibits sex determination and disclosure. Dr Singh reminded participants that seeking or revealing the sex of an unborn child is a severe crime, punishable by imprisonment and cancellation of medical licences. He stressed that the law's effectiveness hinges on societal support.
Punjab's Improving Numbers and Strict Enforcement
Expressing concern over Punjab's historical imbalance in child sex ratio, driven by social discrimination and regressive mindsets, the minister pointed to signs of improvement. He credited the strict enforcement, targeted monitoring, raids, and awareness campaigns under the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government for the positive trend.
Citing Civil Registration System data, Dr Singh revealed that Punjab's sex ratio at birth has shown a promising rise:
- 906 females per 1,000 males in 2021-22
- 922 females per 1,000 males in 2023
- 921 females per 1,000 males in 2024
This reflects a 16-point increase due to coordinated efforts across the state.
On enforcement, he informed that the state's 2,092 registered ultrasound centres have been inspected 2,703 times in 2025-26 so far. Show-cause notices have been issued to 13 centres where discrepancies were found, with a warning of strict action, including licence cancellation, for any violations of the PC-PNDT Act.
A Call for Societal Transformation and Celebration of the Girl Child
Dr Balbir Singh underscored that legal measures alone are insufficient, calling for a profound societal transformation. He asserted that the birth of a daughter must be celebrated and her education, progress, and safety treated as collective responsibilities. Communities were urged to showcase girl achievers as role models to inspire change.
"A girl is not merely a gender, she is the honour of a family, the soul of society, and the pride of humanity," the minister said. He added that even contemplating harm to a girl child in the womb disturbs the balance of the entire society.
He noted that maternal diagnostic services have been expanded to primary-level institutions like Aam Aadmi Clinics, enhancing the state's ability to monitor pregnancies effectively. The minister concluded by emphasizing that campaigns like 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' and the robust implementation of the PC-PNDT Act form the backbone of building a socially progressive future for Punjab.
