“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 results,”--- Dr Baldev Kumar Dhiman

Kurukshetra: Drawing severe backlash from the public and the medical specialists alike, the Vice-Chancellor of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) University, Kurukshetra recently sparked a controversy after making a statement that gender selection is possible through Ayurveda.

At a recent function organised to honour the journalists, Dr Baldev Kumar Dhimant, VC implied that strict following of ayurvedic prescription can help to select get desired gender of the baby before pregnancy.

Clarifying his claim to the media, he stated, “A prescription from traditional alternative technique includes, medication, strict dietary and physical regulations and certain meditation techniques were required to be adopted 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 results,” he added.

The claim by Dhimant, a former director in the AYUSH department has shocked many. In response, the state health officials have cited it as a gross violation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

“In no medical system anywhere in the world, there is any 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 for violation of Section 6 of the PCPNDT Act,” said a senior health functionary told Tribune on condition of anonymity.

The Haryana health officials labelled all such talks as ‘rubbish’ while clarifying that there is no scientific or medical evidence or research to support the claim that selecting gender is possible at the conception stage.

Meanwhile, another official stated that this shocking claim by the VC has clearly challenged the Prime Minister’s flagship programme of gender parity.

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

As per Deccan Herald’s report on the matter, officials are confused over whether the VC is advocating gender selection or merely attempting to broadcast a piece of information he believes is true.