Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
2) Discuss the Key objectives Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act. Analyse how effective has the act proven to be till date? Discuss in the light of recent Supreme court judgement. (250 words)
Why this question:
In a significant judgement, the supreme court upheld the provision of PC-PNDT Act, 1994 which ‘criminalizes’ non-maintenance of medical records by obstetricians and gynecologists and suspend their medical license. indefinitely.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must appreciate the salient features of the PCPNDT Act 1994 and comment on the performance and effectiveness of the Act. One must also suggest what needs to be done to further the actual agenda of the Act.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Brief upon the background of the context – highlight the recent SC verdict.
Body:
Body of the answer to discuss the following aspects :
- Salient features of Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act of 1994 –
- It provides for the prohibition of sex selection, before or after conception.
- It regulates the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques only to detect genetic abnormalities, metabolic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, certain congenital malformations, haemoglobinopathies and sex linked disorders.
- The Central Supervisory Board (CSB) was constituted by the government under Section 7 to review and monitor implementation of the Act and rules made there under
- It ‘criminalises’ non-maintenance of medical records by obstetricians and gynaecologists and suspend their medical licence indefinitely.
- It mandates compulsory registration of all diagnostic laboratories, all genetic counselling centres, genetic laboratories, genetic clinics and ultrasound clinics.
- Any person who puts an advertisement for pre-natal and pre-conception sex determination facilities through any media in electronic or print can be imprisoned and fined.
- Discuss its performance and related issues – corrupt medical practitioners, illegal medical practice, demand of male child etc.
- Suggest what should be done ? what steps should be taken to improvise the performance of the Act.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its significance.
