Ayurveda can help in gender selection: VC

Vishal Joshi

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, May 13

Vice-Chancellor of the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) University here, Dr Baldev Kumar Dhiman on Sunday triggered a row while claiming that Ayurveda can help in gender selection before conception.

While attending a function to mark the birth anniversary of Narad Muni, a religious figure, the VC claimed that ayurvedic medicine could give desired results.

When asked for a clarification on his claim about sex selection, Dhiman stated that traditional alternative technique includes medication, dietary and physical regulations and meditation at the pre-conception stage.

“The ancient scripture clearly mentions that it is possible to select gender before pregnancy. But, one has to follow the instructions for two months for desired results,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, the state health officials have expressed shock over the claim and termed the public statement as a gross violation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

“No medical system has a proven method to determine the gender at the pre-conception stage or after pregnancy. As per the law, anyone found claiming about sex selection in any way is liable for prosecution under Section 6 of the PCPNDT Act,” said a senior health functionary.

Another official said the VC’s claim was shocking as it had challenged the Centre’s flagship programme of gender parity.

“The Haryana Government is also making sincere efforts to improve sex ratio by strict implementation of the PCPNDT Act. The VC should be extra cautious while making claims on a sensitive issue like gender selection,” he said.

An RSS ideologue, Dhiman was associated with the ABVP and other right wing Hindu organisations. He is considered close to the Chief Minister ML Khattar and the RSS leaders.

Before joining as the VC, Dhiman was Director, AYUSH Department, and was reportedly handpicked by Khattar.