Fetal gender recognition has been a severe issue for years in India, and the government is trying to combat it hard. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken strict measures to tackle the problem of sex determination tests being carried out in ultrasound centres. The Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, has instructed the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of all 75 districts of the state to take strict action against those who violate the rules. There are plans to penalize the ultrasound centres and individuals who provide information about the centres.Informer Scheme to Combat Sex Determination TestsThe National Health Mission (NHM) has released an adequate budget for an informer scheme to combat sex determination tests. The scheme rewards individuals who provide information about ultrasound centres involved in the practice. Those who give the address of these centres ignoring the rules will also benefit from the informer scheme.Strict Instructions for Effective ImplementationDeputy CM Brajesh Pathak has given strict instructions for effectively implementing the informer scheme across the state. He has urged departmental officers not to be negligent in any way. The aim is to take strict action against ultrasound centre operators who determine the sex of unborn babies. Ultrasound should only be used to detect diseases, and it is a crime to identify the sex of an unborn child. The Deputy CM has emphasised that strict action should be taken against those who carry out such tests.Rewards for Informers and False CustomersThe informer scheme rewards INR 60,000 for individuals who provide information about ultrasound centres that carry out sex determination tests. On successful decoy operations by the public, a reward of INR 1 lakh will be given to the false customer. The false customer assistant who claims the reward in three instalments will receive an amount of INR 40,000. Each division will receive a TA DA of INR 25,000, while the district will receive INR 50,000.The Uttar Pradesh governments move to take strict measures against ultrasound centres involved in sex determination tests is a step towards protecting the girl child. The informer scheme effectively encourages the public to report to such centres, and the rewards offered will help create awareness about the issue. It is necessary to enforce strict regulations to curb the practice of sex determination tests and promote gender equality in society.
