Politicians unite against illegal sex determination

Say PMC should impose strict measures and create awareness to deter practice

Politicians from all major partiesu00a0 have come together against illegal sex determination racketeers. In the general body meeting on Wednesday, the political fraternity came down heavily on the PMC for its inaction and delay in acting against errant sonography centres. The meeting had to be adjourned following a heated discussion on the issue. They have stressed on the need to create awareness about the issue and endorse strict action against illegal sonography centres.

Across party lines
"I have spoken to BJP corporator Mukta Tilak about this. Eschewing party and political differences, we will put up a proposal to make installation of 'silent observers' (hidden cameras) mandatory in sonography centres and maternity hospitals," said NCP corporator Rajlakshmi Bhosale, also a former Mayor. "Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Pathak is misleading citizens by citing lack of funds to implement the Kolhapur pattern of silent observer. The funds for installing them at the sonography centres and hospitals should be made available by the Standing Committee."

Shiv Sena corporator Shyam Deshpande said proactive steps should be taken to tackle the issue of female foeticide. "This sensitive issue should be dealt with at several levels. First of all, all leaders from political parties should come together and create awareness in their respective constituencies," Deshpande said. "Shiv Sena has undertaken the campaign beti bachao, under which street plays are being organised to create awareness."

Congress leader Aba Bagul, independent corporator Ujjwal Keskar and BJP's Jyotsna Sardeshpande also said the PMC was not taking enough action against errant sonography centres. Though the PMC had taken action against 18 sonography centres, it was for not maintaining records and not for doing illegal sex determination tests, they said.