Mumbai:
After actress Madhuri Dixit reportedly turned down an offer to be brand ambassador of tourism in Maharashtra, the state has sought superstar Aamir Khan's support for its various public welfare schemes that aim to protect girl child, a top official said.
Health Minister Suresh Shetty said, following the immense popularity of Aamir Khan's new television show Satyamev Jayate, that he has already written to the film star for support for the government's campaign against female foeticide, which is rampant in some pockets.
The state's move came barely a day after Aamir Khan held a high-profile meeting with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to discuss the issue of female foeticide and was promised that a fast track court would be created to resolve pending cases in the state.
Besides, top stars Ajay Devgn and his wife Kajol will make a documentary called Save the Girl Child free of cost for the state government, an official said.
"They have penned the script which has been approved and will now be taken forward," the official added.
Well-known Marathi actors Sachin Pilgaonkar, his wife Supriya and their teenaged daughter Shriya are the brand ambassadors for the state-run campaign against female foeticide. "They are endorsing this noble cause without charging any honorarium," the official said.
In his letter to Aamir Khan, Mr Shetty said Maharashtra has so far registered cases against 317 sonography centres in the state found conducting unauthorized sex determination tests on foetuses.
Besides, 27 doctors and four families who sought the sex tests have been convicted with fines and jail terms in 25 cases lodged under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in the state.
Mr Shetty pointed out that four doctors have been struck off the register by the State Medical Council and the names of another 40 doctors have been submitted for deregistration after they were booked under the PCPNDT Act.
"So far, 34 sting operations have been conducted involving decoy clients. Seven doctors have been convicted with fine and imprisonment for revealing sex of the foetus to the decoy clients. Other cases are awaiting trial in the courts," Mr Shetty added.
Health Minister Suresh Shetty said, following the immense popularity of Aamir Khan's new television show Satyamev Jayate, that he has already written to the film star for support for the government's campaign against female foeticide, which is rampant in some pockets.
The state's move came barely a day after Aamir Khan held a high-profile meeting with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to discuss the issue of female foeticide and was promised that a fast track court would be created to resolve pending cases in the state.
Besides, top stars Ajay Devgn and his wife Kajol will make a documentary called Save the Girl Child free of cost for the state government, an official said.
"They have penned the script which has been approved and will now be taken forward," the official added.
Well-known Marathi actors Sachin Pilgaonkar, his wife Supriya and their teenaged daughter Shriya are the brand ambassadors for the state-run campaign against female foeticide. "They are endorsing this noble cause without charging any honorarium," the official said.
In his letter to Aamir Khan, Mr Shetty said Maharashtra has so far registered cases against 317 sonography centres in the state found conducting unauthorized sex determination tests on foetuses.
Besides, 27 doctors and four families who sought the sex tests have been convicted with fines and jail terms in 25 cases lodged under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in the state.
Mr Shetty pointed out that four doctors have been struck off the register by the State Medical Council and the names of another 40 doctors have been submitted for deregistration after they were booked under the PCPNDT Act.
"So far, 34 sting operations have been conducted involving decoy clients. Seven doctors have been convicted with fine and imprisonment for revealing sex of the foetus to the decoy clients. Other cases are awaiting trial in the courts," Mr Shetty added.
