Haryana steps up measures to improve sex ratio

During these raids, as many as 185 machines were seized and sealed, 336 licences were suspended or cancelled and 108 cases were filed in lower courts and the high court.

Stating this, Haryana's Health Minister Rao Narender Singh informed that 30 persons were convicted and licences of four medical practitioners cancelled. Besides, 1,283 ultrasound clinics were registered with the Health Department.

He said that between April, 2011 and March, 2012, as many as 36 ultrasound machines were seized and sealed, which include the maximum of eight in Ambala, seven in Rohtak and five in Yamuna Nagar and another four in Narnaul.

Besides, 54 show-cause notices were issued with a maximum of 15 in Sonepat and licenses of 49 machines were suspended, he said.

Rao said to make villages join the campaign against foeticide, the state has announced a prize of Rs one lakh for one village in each district showing the highest sex ratio and Rs five lakh for the village showing the highest sex ratio in the state.

He said ultrasound machines used for veterinary purposes were now being registered by the Health Department to prevent their misuse.

Incentive of up to Rs 20,000 has been announced by the Health Department for informers in each district to avert illegal activities and residence ID proof has been made mandatory for ultrasound of pregnant women as part of enforcement of the Act, he said. (MORE)