Kathua, August 27: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Appropriate Authority Committee (DAC) under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act, followed by a review meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).

During the DAC meeting, it was informed that Kathua has recorded a sex ratio of 958, the best figure achieved by the district in the last nine years. The meeting was also informed that 20 ultrasound facilities, including six in government health institutions and 14 in private institutions, are currently operational in the district.

Chief Medical Officer Kathua, Dr Vijay Raina, said designated teams are conducting frequent inspections of ultrasound centres to ensure compliance with the PC & PNDT Act. The meeting also discussed strengthening surveillance against malpractice and illegal sex determination, including decoy operations wherever required.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned authorities to remain proactive, conduct regular inspections and ensure strict adherence to the prescribed rules. He made it clear that no illegal activity or violation of the Act would be tolerated.

Later, the DC reviewed the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme, including progress towards declaring 40 Gram Panchayats as Tobacco-Free Panchayats. The BDO Headquarters informed that the process is underway and efforts are being made to expedite it.

The DC called for intensified enforcement against tobacco use in public places and directed departments to conduct regular drives and take strict action against violations.

The meeting also reviewed the use of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) App in educational institutions. The DC stressed regular monitoring, effective enforcement and coordinated efforts to achieve the objectives of the tobacco control programme.