Haryana suspends four doctors for poor measures to improve sex ratio
Chandigarh, May 19
In a strong administrative crackdown over deteriorating sex ratio concerns, the Haryana government on Tuesday said it has suspended four senior medical officers with immediate effect for alleged poor performance and failure in effective monitoring of measures related to improvement of the key demographic.
The action, ordered by Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Sumita Misra, signals the government's tough stance against negligence in implementing programmes aimed at curbing illegal sex determination and female foeticide and strengthening gender balance in the state.
According to the order issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, the suspended officers are Dr Tina Anand, SMO posted at Community Health Centre (CHC) Purkhas in Sonipat, Dr Vijay Parmar, SMO at CHC Radaur in Yamunanagar, Dr Satpal, SMO at CHC Chiri in Rohtak, and Dr Prabha, Medical Officer at CHC Sehlang in Narnaul.
During the suspension period, all four officers will remain attached to the offices of Civil Surgeons in Rohtak, Ambala, Jhajjar and Rewari, respectively.
The government has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016. The order specifically cites "poor performance and failure to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of measures relating to improvement of sex ratio" as the reason behind the strict action.
Haryana's sex ratio in the first four months is 895, sharply below last year's 925, with several districts recording a sharp decline. Charkhi Dadri district saw the lowest ratio of 769 girls per 1,000 boys, followed by Ambala at 843, Mahendragarh at 847, Gurugram at 863, and Jind at 872.
The best-performing districts comprise Karnal, which saw the highest SRB at 968 girls per 1,000 boys, followed by Faridabad and Kurukshetra, which recorded at 932 each. These were followed by Palwal, where this stood at 924 and Nuh at 913.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally someone is taking responsibility. But I feel sad that even in 2024, we are still talking about improving sex ratio. My grandmother used to say "beti hai toh kal hai" - but people still prefer sons. The government should also focus on educating villagers about the value of daughters. Suspension is good, but long-term awareness is needed.
I appreciate the government's intent, but suspending doctors alone won't solve the problem. The real issue is the mindset of people who see daughters as a burden due to dowry system and safety concerns. Haryana's culture needs a major shift. Also, why no action against private clinics that are actually doing illegal sex determination? Typical government - targets easy prey like government doctors but leaves real culprits untouched. 😒
As a woman from Haryana, I welcome this step. The fact that Charkhi Dadri has only 769 girls per 1000 boys is shocking! I was born in Karnal which has better ratio (968), but even that should be 1000. Girls are not a burden - we are doctors, engineers, IAS officers. Parents need to change their thinking. Sabko beti bachao campaign mein participate karna chahiye! 💪
Just suspending doctors is a superficial solution. What about the parents who go for sex determination? What about the quacks who run illegal clinics? The government should track every pregnancy and ensure all births are registered. Also, provide free education for girls and strict anti-dowry laws. Only then real change will happen. Haryana needs a holistic approach, not just blame game on doctors.
M We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.