Intro
Dr. Thippeswamy raised concern over minor pregnancies, stressing strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act to stop illegal sex determination and abortions
CHITRADURGA
Dr. K.T. Thippeswamy, Member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, stressed the need for strong grassroots awareness to prevent female foeticide and protect the rights of girl children.
He spoke during a review meeting on the implementation of the PCPNDT Act at the District Health Officer’s office on Thursday. He said female foeticide is a direct violation of a child’s right to life and must be stopped through strict law enforcement and public awareness.
Dr. Thippeswamy expressed concern over rising cases of pregnancies among minor girls and said the PCPNDT Act has become even more important today. He directed officials to take firm steps to prevent illegal sex determination tests and abortions carried out only because the unborn child is female.
He instructed that advisory and monitoring committees under the Act must meet regularly and not just on paper. He also voiced dissatisfaction over the lack of proper meetings and asked officials to prepare clear action plans.
He said change cannot happen only through district or state-level discussions. Awareness must reach villages through Women and Child Protection Watch Committees. Regular monitoring of hospitals and scanning centres is also necessary to ensure that rules are followed.
As part of the visit, Dr. Thippeswamy and the district inspection team conducted surprise checks at scanning centres, including Kirti Hospital and Aafia Hospital in Chitradurga city. They examined records and pointed out shortcomings that need correction.
District health and family welfare officers, committee members, and taluk health officials attended the meeting. Officials agreed to strengthen monitoring, spread awareness, and work together to create a safe and supportive environment for every girl child.
