Anti-Gender Selection Laws: State Announces Higher Rewards For Informants Reporting Offenses

Mumbai: The state government is taking stringent action against illegal abortions, ensuring that offenders face severe penalties. However, there is a need to strengthen cases with robust evidence to secure convictions.

To encourage women to come forward with information in such cases, the honorarium for informants will be increased, as decided in a meeting chaired by Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar.

Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar On Effective Implementation Of PCPNDT Act

Abitkar emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. He directed that efforts be intensified in coordination with the police to crack down on such offences. The government is making every effort to improve the male-to-female sex ratio in the state and prevent illegal abortions. Under the PCPNDT Act, strict action is being taken to address these issues, and efforts are being made to secure convictions with stringent penalties.

Abitkar also directed interdistrict coordination, especially with neighbouring states, to ensure effective action against offenders. Speaking at the meeting, Abitkar said that the government is considering fasttracking cases of illegal abortions in special courts. He also stressed the importance of regulating the availability of abortion pills to prevent misuse.

Any online sale of such pills should be investigated, and appropriate action must be taken against violators. To further enhance enforcement, district-level committees will include social workers and activists to ensure active participation and strengthen the system. Additionally, the government plans to increase the reward under the informant incentive scheme to encourage more people to report illegal activities.