Odisha Govt Announces Cash Reward For Information About Sex Determination Test

Bhubaneswar: In order to further strengthen its efforts to prevent pre-natal sex determination, the Odisha government has announced cash reward for information regarding such test anywhere in the state.

Bijay Panigrahi, Director, Health and Family Welfare told the media persons that the government will reward Rs 25,000 to the informant about sex determination test or unregistered ultrasound unit. The amount would be paid in three instalments, he added.

He further said the first intalment of Rs 10,000 will be paid if the information shared by the persons would be found correct after investigation by the officials. The second instalment of Rs 10,000 will be released after filing of prosecution report and framing of charges and the rest Rs 5,000 after the accused is convicted in the court.

The Director said the identity of the informant would not be disclosed by the authorities to protect him from any reaction by the people engaged in illegal activities. The government has announced the cash reward under the Informer’s Incentive Scheme for effective implementation of the provisions of PC & PNDT Act, 1994.

At present Odisha has 894 female children for every 1000 males and the child sex ratio has been steadily declining.

It may be noted that police had arrested 12 persons including 2 women for running a clinic for sex determination and sealed the facility in Berhampur in May.

Also Read: 12 Arrested For Running Sex Determination Clinic In Berhampur