24/7 complaint number for female foeticide launched in Maharashtra

To address the issue, the state had previously introduced incentives to encourage individuals to step forward with information identifying offenders under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Despite these efforts, the impact fell short of the desired outcome.

The newly launched toll-free number, 104, operates round the clock and guarantees the anonymity of complainants, creating a secure environment to report sensitive matters related to PCPNDT and MTP.

Dr Rajshree Dhawale, assistant director of the family welfare department, underlined the state’s dedication to combat female foeticide. “The state health department has implemented various measures to improve the sex ratio by preventing female foeticide. The 24×7 toll-free number 104 has been launched statewide, complementing the existing PCPNDT number, 18002334475, which will also continue to operate,” Dr Dhawale said.

Offering insights into the helpline’s impact, Dr Dhawale disclosed that 1,069 complaints had been registered through the toll-free number till February 2024. Impressively, 1,064 of these complaints had already been addressed through the State Family Welfare Office in Pune.