Ranchi: The licences of 30 ultrasound centres across Jharkhand were suspended in the 2025-26 financial year as part of a statewide crackdown on alleged violations of the PCPNDT Act.Out of the 30, the highest 17 licenses were cancelled in Bokaro, three in Dhanbad, two each in Deoghar, East Singhbhum, Godda and Hazaribag districts, Rafat Farzana, state co-ordinator for PCPNDT Act, told TOI on Tuesday, adding that one each in Koderma and Simdega districts were suspended during the period.“The licences of the centres were suspended after they were found flouting various norms of the PCPNDT Act. Apart from the 30, one centre in Garhwa was sealed after a complaint was filed in court. Many of the centres did not have qualified doctors to conduct ultrasonography, while some were practising sex determination of foetuses, which is illegal. Continuing with the efforts to curb the illegal practices, inspection drives are ongoing across the state,” Rafat added.Jharkhand chapter of National Health Mission (NHM) director Shashi Prakash Jha on Monday directed that a single doctor can provide services at a maximum of only two ultrasound centres. “The department is seriously scrutinising information on such doctors across the state who are violating rules by working at more than two centres. Such doctors will be immediately identified and strict legal action will be taken against them,” Jha added.Jha directed to adopt a zero tolerance policy against illegal sex determination in the state and instructed the formation of special teams to conduct surprise inspections.“To eradicate illegal sex determination in the state, special emphasis was laid on strengthening the govt’s informer and decoy scheme. Under this scheme, a reward of Rs 1 lakh has been fixed for exposing gangs or doctors involved in illegal sex determination. Under this, Rs 40,000 will be given to the informer providing credible information, Rs 40,000 to the pregnant woman assisting in the decoy operation, and Rs 20,000 to her associate,” he added.