THE All India Democratic Women’s Association, in a statement issued on May 14, has condemned the shocking statement reportedly made by the vice chancellor of AYUSH, Baldev Kumar Dhiman, claiming that ayurveda can help in the selection of gender before conception. Not only does this display a completely unscientific mindset, the statement also violates the PcPNDT Act which makes sex selection illegal, whether before or after conception. According to the Act it is also illegal to advertise or promote any method leading to sex selection.

It is reported that Dhiman while speaking at a function made the astounding claim that ayurvedic medicine provides alternate techniques that can give desired results in choosing the sex of the baby even before conception. This apparently includes dietary and physical regulations, and the observance of appropriate instructions as laid down in the ancient scriptures. There is no doubt that the VC himself upholds pre conception techniques to obtain the “desired” results, referring thereby to the conception of a son. The deeply embedded RSS ideology that idealizes the male over the female child is blatantly exposed.

At a time when the BJP government in Haryana is claiming to have reduced sex imbalance in the state through their effective implementation of the PcPNDT Act, and other measures, these views expressed by an esteemed vice chancellor cannot be taken lightly. AIDWA demands strict action against Dhiman for his anti-woman mindset and his violation of the law. He must be removed from office immediately.