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Rohtak announces 1 lakh award for sex test tip-offs

NEW DELHI: The district administration in Rohtak on Wednesday announced a Rs one lakh award in cash to informers, who would help the Haryana government to alert about errant ultrasound clinics, engaged in determining of sex of fetuses.

On Tuesday, a study carried out by an international medical journal revealed how selective abortion has led to 7.1 million fewer girls than boys up to the age of six years.

Haryana has a dubious record of skewed sex ratio in the country. Though it has improved its record in the past decade, the figure is still below par. "We will not disclose the name of the informer since the objective is to stop such practices. The informer will get the reward after the credibility of the information is established. It will not be subject to conviction of the accused," Rohtak deputy commissioner Vikas Gupta told TOI.

Gupta is also the chairman of the PNDT Act committee in the district. The panel members would conduct raids on ultrasound clinics engaged in determination of sex, and cases will be registered against such clinics.

"These committees have been set up in every district as per a government order. The committee has members including the chief medical officer, ICDS programme officer, two prominent personalities and advocates. The objective is to ensure that those caught involved in this crime are convicted," Gupta said.

The study by the international journal has found that in the last 30 years, 4-12 million girls were aborted because of their sex.

A spokesperson of Haryana government said several steps were taken in the past decade to improve the sex ratio in the state.

According to the Census 2011, Haryana has reported a rise in the sex ratio to 877 females per 1,000 males in comparison to 861 females per 1,000 males in 2001. Though since the first Census (1901) this is the most significant improvement, Haryana still ranks lowest among all the 28 states on the sex-ratio front.

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