Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda convenes 31st Meeting of the Central Supervisory Board to reiterate the nation’s commitment to addressing gender discrimination
The 2021-23 SRS data indicate that India has made notable strides in reducing sex-based discrimination, with 12 states recording SRB figures above the national average of 917: Shri Nadda
Union Health Minister underlined the need for state-level workshops and discussions to strengthen enforcement and awareness, stressing upon the emerging digital-era challenges
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda convened the 31st meeting of the Central Supervisory Board (CSB) here, today to reiterate the nation's commitment to addressing gender discrimination and review the progress made on action points that were decided on the last CSB meeting. The primary concern discussed at the meeting was the ongoing battle against sex-based discrimination leading to sex selection/ determination followed by pre-birth elimination.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Health Minister expressed optimism about the nation’s progress toward gender equality. Citing the latest Sample Registration Survey (SRS) report for 2021–23, the Minister highlighted significant improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). He stated the data indicate that India has made notable strides in reducing sex-based discrimination, with 12 states recording SRB figures above the national average of 917, as per the 2021–23 SRS data. Moreover, the performance outcomes highlighted by measures such as court cases, inspections of premises, and registration of facilities have also shown substantial improvement compared to the previous year.
Shri Nadda also mentioned about the National Sensitization Meeting held on 6th October 2025 to address technology-driven challenges and underlined the need for more state-level workshops and discussions to strengthen enforcement and awareness, stressing upon the emerging digital-era challenges, including portable diagnostic devices, genetic testing, and online advertisements for sex determination. He stated that sensitization should be increased across all states and state-wise interactions should be a regular process. He called for sharing of best practices among states and the need for further deliberations among all stakeholders.
The Union Health Minister lauded the proactive measures taken by states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Haryana etc in this regard. He commended their innovative strategies, including sting operations and establishment of state task forces etc, to combat gender-biased sex selection. While celebrating these efforts, he called upon other states and union territories to follow suit and contribute significantly to this critical demographic issue.
Union Health Secretary, Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava reiterated the commitment of the Union Health Ministry to be at the forefront in promoting the welfare of women and children, focusing on their healthy development. She highlighted the progressive trend in the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2023 which shows improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth from 899 (2016–18) to 917 (2021–23) females per 1,000 males, underlining the combined efforts of the State and UTs in implementing the PC&PNDT Act.
Union Health Secretary lauded the extensive sensitization initiatives undertaken by the Ministry, including a National Sensitization Meeting on 6th October 2025, engaging States, UTs, digital intermediaries, and experts. IEC materials have been shared for awareness generation. State-level workshops have been organized in multiple States, such as Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand with participation of District Nodal Officers and judicial officers to emphasize the compliance of PC&PNDT Act.
Smt. Savitri Thakur, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development, appreciated the steps taken by the Govt of India to prevent sex-selective abortions and ensuring that such diagnostic techniques are not misused for determining the sex of a foetus. She added that nation must commit to ending gender bias and son preference practices and promoting a culture that values and safeguards every daughter of India. She also highlighted the impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative in promoting the value of the girl child. Commending the improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth, she urged for ensuring collective vigilance, enforcement, and advocacy to ensure every girl’s birth is celebrated.
Under the PC&PNDT Act, the central government is entrusted with the responsibility to combat the misuse of medical technologies for sex determination and selection. The CSB members gathered to reaffirm their commitment towards enforcement of the Act, and creating an enabling environment for the girl child in the country.
The meeting concluded with an appeal by the Union Health Minister for collective action to ensure the survival and well-being of the girl child in the nation. He urged the medical community to play a pivotal role in addressing sex-based discrimination at birth. The CSB meeting witnessed a unanimous commitment to addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality. Shri Nadda reiterated the unwavering dedication of the Union Government to the welfare of women and children in India, emphasizing gender equality and the survival, protection, and development of the girl child.
Dr Byreddy Shabari, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha); Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice; Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, Union Health Ministry; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary, Union Health Ministry; Shri Lav Agarwal, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development and senior officials of the Union Government were present on the occasion.
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HFW- HFM Convenes 31st CSB Meeting/28th Oct 2025/2
(Release ID :278018)