Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare convened the 31st meeting of the Central Supervisory Board (CSB) on October 28, 2025, to reiterate the nation’s commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act). The meeting included detailed discussions on addressing gender balance issues and reviewing progress on action points decided during the previous CSB meeting.
The proceedings focused on ensuring effective action at both the national and sub-national levels to further gender balance, with the major topics centering on preventing the misuse of medical technologies for sex selection and sex determination.
Progress on Sex Ratio at Birth
The Union Health Minister highlighted the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Report for 2021–23, which indicates a continued improvement in the National Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). State-wise progress was discussed, and the performance outcomes—including settlement of court matters, premise inspections, and facility registration—reflected sustained improvement over time.
Digital Challenges and Enforcement Strategy
Shri Nadda underlined the need for ongoing sensitization, capacity building, and stringent implementation of the PC&PNDT Act, particularly in response to challenges in the digital era. He specifically called for effective action on emerging digital-era challenges such as portable diagnostic devices and online advertisements for sex determination.
The Minister noted the proactive and innovative strategies already taken by states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Haryana to combat gender-biased sex selection. He stressed that sharing best practices and regular reviews should be routine processes to drive effective enforcement of the Act.
Inter-Ministerial Collaboration and Oversight
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava underscored the Union Health Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the Act’s implementation and ensuring the health and well-being of the girl child remains a key priority area.
Smt. Savitri Thakur, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development, highlighted the positive impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative in promoting the value of the girl child and urged that concerted efforts to improve the Sex Ratio at Birth must continue.
The Union Health Minister concluded the meeting by reaffirming that the CSB will maintain an active role in providing direction and oversight to strengthen the Act’s implementation framework.