Only 6% of doctors held for sex-selection practices convicted

NEW DELHI: Only around 6% of cases filed against doctors involved in sex-selection practices in the 17 states, which have the most skewed sex ratio, have ended up in convictions till date. 

According to Union health ministry's latest data — prepared for a crucial meeting of health secretaries of the 17 states on Wednesday — a total of 805 cases have been filed in court against doctors till March 31, ever since the revised Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act ( PC and PNDT Act) came into force. Only 55 convictions have been recorded since then. 

The rest of the cases are either in progress or dropped for "poor investigation and insufficient evidence against the accused". Convictions were highest in Haryana (23), followed by Punjab (22), Gujarat (4), Maharashtra (3), Delhi (2) and Chandigarh (1). Interestingly, the highest number of cases against doctors was filed in Rajasthan (161), but none has resulted in conviction. 

Maharashtra filed 139 cases, Punjab (112), Gujarat (82), Madhya Pradesh (70), Delhi (61), Uttar Pradesh and Haryana (54), Andhra Pradesh (19), Bihar (10), Uttaranchal (9), Chhattisgarh (5), Jharkhand (3) and Chandigarh (2). 

Gujarat leads the pack in sealing of ultrasound machines (168), followed by Haryana (133). While, Maharashtra sealed 82 machines, Rajasthan (76), Orissa (68), Delhi (48), Punjab (26), UP (37), Jharkhand (13) and Andhra Pradesh (12). 

"On Wednesday, the meeting will emphasize on following up on court cases, building a strong case for prosecution and putting in place the mechanism for legal assistance and engaging with state legal services authorities apart from training workshops for judiciary and public prosecutors," an official said. 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Only-6-of-doctors-held-for-sex-selection-practices-convicted/articleshow/8032214.cms

Union health ministry Ghulam Nabi Azad has been very proactive in rectifying the nation's shameful sex ratio. 

An official added, "India's conviction rates are shockingly low. That's because doctors who carry out the search and seizure operations aren't good with filing legal cases and presenting a full-proof investigation. Hence, violators go scot free." 

On Wednesday, these 17 states will be told by the Union health ministry to identify and map their worst-affected districts, blocks and even localities. 

Once identified, vigilance will be heightened in these places on doctors and clinics to "nab those involved in sex selection" in clinics or by use of portable ultrasound machines. 

In the meeting — the first since the provisional Census figures were released — the states will also be told to register every ultrasound clinic and machine (portable or stationary) being used as per the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PC and PNDT Act). Violation of any provision in this Act will entail a three-year jail term and Rs 50,000 fine. 

"States will be told to approach ultrasound manufacturers as per the Act to identify how many machines have been sold and to whom," sources told TOI. 

Pressure will also be intensified on states to get every ultrasound clinic to fill up Form F. According to the Act, every radiologist is required to fill Form F before conducting an ultrasound on a would-be mother. The form has important questions, including the reason for conducting sonography along with details of the patient and the doctor. 

Clinics that carry our prenatal selection and selective abortion leave most of the details incomplete, deliberately skipping sections mentioning the doctor's name, signature, the patient's address, age of the fetus and record of the would-be mother's previous children. 

"A careful examination of the form — which doctor referred the patient and why, if the ground for an ultra sound test is vague and if it is self referred instead of a doctor — will tell us who is involved in sex determination," an official added. 

States will also be told to improve or put in place inter-state, and more importantly inter-border coordination for regulating ultrasound clinics in border districts. 

As per the agenda of the meeting, the states will be told to dedicate a PNDT cell in the state, follow up on court cases, set up of a state supervisory board, which will meet once every four months, notify a multi-member state appropriate authority and take action in case of default. 

At the district level, some states have given the district collector supreme power, search and seize illegal and unregistered ultra sound machines while other states have put the chief medical officer in charge. Workshops to sensitize judiciary, public prosecutors and advisory committees will also be held. 

A ministry official said, "The latest Census figures show that the female girl child is still a curse and unwanted. Their number has fallen to an all-time low since Independence. The sex ratio for 2011 stands at 914 girls — down from 927 girls for 1,000 boys in 2001."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Only-6-of-doctors-held-for-sex-selection-practices-convicted/articleshow/8032214.cms

Surajkund Mela 2011 - Haryana Tourism Corporation India

Ethnic n' Exotic, Exquisite n' Exclusive ... A Kaleidoscope of Indian Handicrafts, Handlooms and Folk Traditions

Come February'2011 Surajkund becomes alive with the rhythm and beats of folk dances and riot of colors. Uzbekistan is the Partner Country of 25th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2011. It is one of the six independent Turkicstates. It is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia, formerly part of the Soviet Union. Andhra Pradesh- The magic of vibrant Andhra Pradesh is the theme state for this year Mela. Introduction How to reach Past Melas Mela 2011 Surajkund is the annual fair that showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts, authentic fragrances & flavours of rich Indian cuisines. As winter turns briefly into spring, a caravan of more than 400 National and State awardee craftpersons from every corner of India wind their way to Surajkund. The craftpersons from SAARC Nations are also participating in the Surajkund Crafts Mela. At Surajkund Mela, the artisans' delicate hands create the most beautiful pieces which have fascinated many through ages ! 25th Surajkund Crafts Mela offers a lot of Fun, Frolic,Entertainment and exclusive shopping. In the rural ambience, more than 400 craftperson will display and Demonstrate their finest crafts work that is set to capture your hearts. The authentic fragrances & flavours of rich Indian cuisines will kindle your taste buds. Tap your feet with the beats of enthralling folk dancers from the various parts of the country. A fair to cherish and remember..... forever. HIGHLIGHTS The Craftspersons from all over India, SAARC and other neighbouring countries would be selling the best of Handlooms and Handicrafts items. Andhra Pradesh the Theme State of this Year Mela known for rice Granery of India. Best known for monuments,handicrafts, handloom and cusines. A number of neihbouring countires would also be participating in thsi Mela. Best of Cultural programmes organized jointly by Ministry of Culture,ICCR,New Delhi, Theme State Andhra Pradesh and Cultural Affairs Department, Haryana & Haryana Kala Parishad. Exporters Meet and Buyers Meet to be held at Surajkund Design Galleries with assistance of the DC Handlooms and DC Handicrafts. Food Court with variety of Indian & SAARC countries Food. Amusement Zone with playful rides and swings. Folk Dances by Schools/Colleges at Chaupal daily from 11 a.m. onwards

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Source : Surajkund Mela 2011

Haryana to be power self-reliant by ’12: CM

Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Wednesday said that efforts were being made to make the state self-reliant in power by 2012. The CM also announced that there was a plan to set up 1,500 mw gas based power plant in Faridabad.

The CM, who was addressing the Republic Day function after unfurling the tri-colour in Kaithal, said that the state government had inherited the shortage of power, therefore, a target was set to generate 5,000 mw of power and work to set up four thermal projects was started. The power generation capacity of the state has increased to 3,480 mw as from 1,587 mw in 2004-05.

Hooda said that water conservation being the top-most priority of the state, the year 2011 was being observed as ‘Water Conservation Year’. A number of steps were being taken to conserve water and 90% subsidy was being given on drip irrigation and sprinkler sets for horticulture. He said that under the National Horticulture Mission, the scheme to have community ponds was being effectively implemented and the state government was giving 100% subsidy on construction of ponds under the scheme.

The CM reiterated the commitment of his government to get states’ due share of Ravi-Beas waters through Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal. He said that the water courses were being brick-lined and new canals were being dug to ensure supply of irrigation water to every field in the state. The state spent Rs 482 crore to improve and expand irrigation facilities in district Kaithal during last six years.

Hooda said that all-round development has been made during last about six years and this has infused a new confidence in the common man as well as farmers and labourers were now happy. While eulogising the UPA government for implementation of a number of people-friendly schemes and initiatives, Hooda said that with the Centre’s agri- loan waiver scheme and state’s power bills arrears waiver scheme the farmers were benefited to the extent of Rs 4,000 crore as their payments of Rs 4,000 crore were waived off.

He said that the state had reduced the interest rate on agriculture loans to as less as 4%.

Hooda said that the state governments’ land acquisition policy and its R&R policy have come out as a model for the whole country. The royalty and the compensation amount in the state are maximum in the country, while the royalty system has been a unique experiment, he further added.

While referring to other farmer-friendly initiatives and plans of the state, Hooda said that the state government has set up a Farmers’ Commission and a centre of excellence for vegetables at Gharaunda. He said that Lala Lajpat Rai University of Animal Sciences at Hisar, centre of excellence for fruits at Sirsa, terminal market for fruits and vegetables at Ganaur were being set up.

The CM said that the state government has implemented new industrial and investment policy, which would create more job opportunities for the youth and more industries would be set up in industrially backward areas of the state. He said that the state has become number one state in terms of per capita investment, which was at 14 th place six years ago. In per capita income also, the state has become second state after Goa.

Hooda also referred to the number of steps taken by the state government for strengthening the infrastructure and health services, implementation of schemes for rural and urban development and efforts being made to develop Haryana as an international level education hub and sports power house.

Source: Haryana to be power self-reliant by ’12: CM