By IANS
New Delhi : Laws like the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act alone cannot solve the problem of female foeticide, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said Saturday.
A long-term solution to the problem lies in creating the “right socio-economic environment where sons and daughters are equally valued”, he said while speaking at a function on ‘Against Female Foeticide’ organised by the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) here.
“This can be achieved by creating awareness about the gender equality through advocacy and communication efforts along with empowering the women suitably,” he said, adding that the PNDT Act requires social mobilisation.
However, he said that if the provisions of the act are enforced effectively, it could substantially curb such practices and send a loud and clear message to the violators in particular and society at large.
The minister said the state governments should take appropriate action against the violators.
He further said that India is taking care to improve the primary health care services in the country.
“Law alone will not be able to solve the problem. Each one within his or her own domain has to play a role to curb this practice as parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers, journalists etc. All of us have to work together to create a gender-balanced society,” he said.