₹2 lakh reward for informers giving correct tip-offs on illegal sex determination: PCPNDT committee recommends 14 ultrasound centre licences, surprise checks at all centres

On the instructions of District Magistrate Nitin Bhadauria, a meeting of the district advisory committee under the PCPNDT Act was held at Vikas Bhawan, Rudrapur, on Wednesday, chaired by Project Director Himanshu Joshi. According to Hindustan, 16 licence applications were placed before the meeting: 11 new ones and five renewals. The committee recommended the five renewals and nine new applications; for two new applications, a recommendation will be sent to the DM after site inspections. A five-member committee will be formed to dismantle unused ultrasound machines, only after the DM's permission and an affidavit from the centre owner. All ultrasound centres in the district will face regular and surprise inspections, and strict legal action will be taken against centres violating the PCPNDT Act. An informer scheme will be enforced to stop illegal sex determination, with a reward of ₹2 lakh for correct information. According to the administration, some centres involved in illegal activities have been identified and will face action soon. (Source: Hindustan)