No PNDT Act has not been suspended, only certain provisions relaxed: Health Ministry issues clarification

Delhi - Responding to rumours that the entire PC&PNDT (Pre Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection)) Act 1994 has been suspended in the country by the Health Ministry has issued a clarification that only certain provisions, concerning regsitration and renewal as well as mandatory submission of reports have been relaxed for the time being.

The move came after section of the media began speculating that the PC&PNDT (Pre Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection)) Act 1994 has been suspended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

" It is clarified that MoHFW has not suspended the PC&PNDT Act, which prohibits sex selection before or after conception," the Health Ministry has stated

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In view of the ongoing lockdown, due of COVID19 pandemic, the Health Ministry has issued a notification dated April 4, 2020, to defer/suspend certain provisions under the PC&PNDT Rules 1996.

These Rules pertain to applying for renewal of registration if falling due in this period, submission of reports by diagnostics centres by 5th day of the following month and submission of quarterly progress report (QPR) by the States/UTs.

"It is reiterated that each Ultrasound clinic, Genetic Counselling centre, Genetic Laboratory, Genetic Clinicand Imaging Centre would have to maintain all the mandatory records on day to day basis, as prescribed under the Law.

It is only the submission deadlines to respective Appropriate Authorities which have been extended till June 30, 2020.

There is no exemption (to the diagnostic centres) from compliance to theprovisions of the PC&PNDT Act." the clarification stated

All records are mandatory and have to be maintained as per the Rules and the said Notification in no way impacts the requirement of stringent implementation of the PC&PNDT Act and Rules.

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