Navi Mumbai: NMMC Cracks Down on Illegal Sex Determination Under PCPNDT Act

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has intensified its efforts to enforce the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, as amended in 2003 (PCPNDT Act). In compliance with the directives of the Central and State Governments, NMMC has taken strict measures to regulate sonography centers, counseling centers, genetic laboratories, genetic clinics, CT scan centers, MRI, and PET-CT scan facilities.

Currently, 190 PCPNDT-registered centers are operational in the NMMC jurisdiction, with regular quarterly inspections and F-form audits being conducted to ensure compliance. To streamline the registration process, NMMC, under the guidance of Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, has launched an online application system where new centers can register via the official website.

As part of its awareness initiatives, NMMC’s health department organised a workshop on February 18 at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital for PCPNDT center operators, radiologists, and gynecologists. The session focused on the legal provisions of the PCPNDT Act and its 2003 amendments. Key officials, including Medical Health Officer and Appropriate Authority Dr. Prashant Jawade, Assistant Health Officer Dr. Ratnaprabha Chavan, and medical experts from radiology and gynecology associations, participated in the event. Dr. Jawade emphasized the critical need to prevent fetal sex determination, citing its harmful impact on gender balance and social equality. He warned that violations within NMMC’s jurisdiction would be treated as serious offenses.

During the workshop, Dr. Chavan provided insights into the legal framework, record-keeping requirements, penalties, and ethical guidelines for medical professionals. The session concluded with a Q&A, where doctors addressed their concerns regarding the implementation of the Act. Over 200 medical professionals attended the event.

To further curb illegal sex determination and female feticide, NMMC has urged citizens to report any violations anonymously via a dedicated website or toll-free number. Whistleblowers who provide actionable information leading to a conviction may receive a cash reward of Rs1,00,000. Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has called upon citizens to remain vigilant and contribute to maintaining gender equality by reporting any unlawful activities related to prenatal sex determination.