Zeenews Bureau

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has applauded Maharashtra Government’s decision to slap murder charges against those who indulge in female foeticide.

Talking to reporters, Aamir said, “I think female foeticide is a very serious issue. And if it continues the way it is, it will get worse. I am so happy that Maharashtra government is likely to propose this.”

The actor advocated severe punishment to those who commit such a heinous crime of aborting an unborn female child in the womb.

“I want to add here that abortion is legal and it should be. I am pro choice for women. But female foeticide, when we find out the sex and kill the girl child, should finish and very severe punishment should be given,” Aamir added.

The state government had announced on Tuesday that it will consider bringing female feoticide within the bracket of Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Addressing the media, Health Minister Suresh Shetty announced in the state Assembly on Tuesday, “We are considering applying Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on those involved in forced abortions of female foetus. The recommendation for appropriate amendment in the Act will be sent to the Centre.”

According too DNA, Shetty said 584 teams comprising officers from health, police and revenue departments were formed to keep check on sonography centres. He also told the House that of the total 8,331 sonography centres in the state, 291 have already been sealed and of the 4,117 MTP centres, action has been taken against 341 so far.

According to 2011 Census, the rate at which the unborn female child is killed amounts to killing off 10,00,000 girls a year. As a result, the ratio between girls and boys has been affected. The 2011 census revealed that there were 914 girls for every 1,000 boys.

The maiden episode of Aamir Khan`s first television show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ dealt with the sensitive topic of female foeticide and bias toward the male child.

"I am happy that people are connecting emotionally with the show. My team and I like that we have reached people`s hearts and have churned ideas. There are so many things which are hidden and they need to be brought out in the public light. These things need to be discussed so that they can be dealt with," he said.

With inputs from IANS