78 clinics sealed in JK for conducting sex determination tests

Srinagar, June 16: Voicing concern over the declining sex-ratio in the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government today (June 16) said it has sealed 78 clinics for conducting pre-natal sex determination tests in the last three months as a part of its drive to check the practice, "more prevalent" in urban areas.

The government has sealed 78 diagnostic centres, for conducting pre-natal sex determination tests, so far from March in the state, Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma told reporters here.

"Sex determination tests are more prevalent in civilised (urban) areas of the state," he said, adding that effective steps have been taken by the government to curb the practice.

As per Census 2011, the sex-ratio in Jammu and Kashmir has dropped alarmingly to 869 females per 1,000 males from 859:1,000 in 2001.

The health minister said the government is taking all necessary measures to change the negative trend.

"We are also conducting awareness campaigns against female foeticide," he said.

PTI