Budgam | August, 29: The Social Welfare Department (SWD), through SANKALP – Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW), Mission Shakti Budgam, organised a training programme on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 at Government Degree College (GDC), Budgam.
The programme was organised for In-charge personnel of Ultrasound/USG and diagnostic centres with the objective of strengthening their understanding of the provisions of the PCPNDT Act, ensuring strict compliance with statutory requirements and promoting responsible practices aimed at preventing the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex selection.
Dr. Masroofa Majeed, Gender Specialist, SANKALP-HEW, in her address, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in addressing gender discrimination and preventing sex selection.
Afroza Ahad, District Mission Coordinator (DMC), Mission Shakti Budgam, provided an overview of Mission Shakti, elaborating on its objectives, vision and key components. She emphasised the importance of convergence, awareness and effective implementation of women-centric initiatives at the grassroots level.
The technical session on the PCPNDT Act, 1994 was conducted by Adv. Lateef Ahmad, who provided detailed training on the key provisions of the Act, regulatory requirements for diagnostic centres, responsibilities of centre in-charges and personnel, maintenance of mandatory records and registers, and the legal consequences of violations. The session also emphasised the need for strict adherence to prescribed procedures and documentation.
An interactive session was also held, during which participants actively engaged in a question-and-answer session with the resource person. The participants raised queries regarding various provisions of the PCPNDT Act, compliance requirements, documentation and their responsibilities as personnel associated with USG and diagnostic centres. The queries were addressed comprehensively, making the session informative and participatory.
The training provided an important platform for the participants to enhance their knowledge of the legal framework and reinforce their commitment towards strict compliance with the PCPNDT Act.
The programme reaffirmed the commitment of the Social Welfare Department, SANKALP-HEW, Mission Shakti Budgam towards strengthening awareness and compliance with the PCPNDT Act and contributing to the larger objective of promoting the dignity, rights and equality of the girl child.
