The NAC, chaired by Sonia Gandhi, identified prenatal sex selection as the biggest reason for the decline in child sex ratio and sought strengthening of the current legal regime to prevent misuse of medical technology for sex selection.
The panel wanted the government to develop a legislative framework for the future with a focus on strengthening and effective implementation of the Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (prohibition of sex selection) Act.
It also wanted the government to consider the implications from the perspective of sex selection, of new legislation such as the Draft Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Regulation) Bill, 2010.
The NAC suggested a review current conditional cash and other incentive schemes and plan schematic interventions for poor as well as middle and upper class families.
It wanted the government to develop a national communication and advocacy strategy for behaviour change with shared core message content, identified target audiences and multiple platforms.
The NAC also wanted a review of other gender-related laws and policies including the dowry prohibition law, amendments to laws related to rape and connected provisions among others, in order to propose amendments or ways to strengthen implementation.
