YSR calls for strict implementation of PNDT Act

Hyderabad, Jul 13 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said the government would strictly punish the violators of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibiton of Sex Selection)(PNDT) Act to check female foeticide and gender imbalance in society.

Addressing a gathering at a seminar on 'Protection and Empowerment of Girl Child' organised by a trust here, Dr Reddy said clear instructions would be given to officials to strictly enforce the Act with a view to maintain gender balance.

He said the state government was taken several welfare measures for the girls in the state including provision of Rs 1,200 as scholarships for girls for their education from Class IX to XII, Rs one lakh for the first female child after she attained 21 years of age and Rs 30,000 each for two female children of a family.

Dr Reddy said though the state had enough nursing collges and schools, parents were not showing interest to send their girls to the courses whereas those from neighbouring states were coming to Andhra Pradesh to pursue them.

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