Members in respective categories in the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment Regarding Members of the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health Research, published in the Gazette of India on August 3, 2022. This notification serves as an amendment to existing regulations under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Act, 2021. The core purpose of this amendment is to include specific members in the Appropriate Authority for the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh. The key finding is that the amendment aims to ensure representation from women's organizations and registered medical practitioners within the aforementioned authority. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of the notification S.O. 3649(E) from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health Research, published on August 3, 2022. The purpose is to elucidate the content of this notification, which amends existing regulations pertaining to the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh, specifically in relation to the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Act, 2021. The analysis is solely based on the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends regulations implemented under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Act, 2021. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the provided text, is to add specific members to the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh, ensuring representation of women's organizations and registered medical practitioners. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment addresses the composition of the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Act, 2021. The likely reason for this specific amendment is to fulfill the requirements of Section 35 (3)(a)(iii)(v) of the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021 and Section 12 (3)(a)(iii)(v) of the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Act, 2021 by ensuring the inclusion of specific expertise and perspectives (women's organization and medical practitioner) within the authority. This inclusion is important for the appropriate oversight and regulation of surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology in the UT of Chandigarh. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification specifically amends the composition of the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh. * **Original Policy Part Changed (Inferred):** The composition of the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh as defined under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Act, 2021 is being modified. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment introduces the following new members: * Dr. Ramneek Sharma, Gynecologist, Survival of Young Adolescent SURYA Foundation, Chandigarh, as Member in the category of eminent Woman representing women's organization. * Dr. Vanita Suri, HOD Obs Gynae, PGIMER, Chandigarh, as Member in the category of eminent registered medical practitioner. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This change expands the expertise and representation within the Appropriate Authority. It ensures that the perspectives of women's organizations and experienced medical practitioners are considered in decisions related to surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology within the UT of Chandigarh, improving the Authority's operations and oversight. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders include: * The Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh. * Dr. Ramneek Sharma and Dr. Vanita Suri (the newly appointed members). * Individuals and organizations involved in surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology within the UT of Chandigarh. * The Department of Health Research. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, specifically the Department of Health Research, is responsible for this amendment. The Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh is responsible for integrating the new members and ensuring their participation in relevant proceedings. * **Timelines or procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in the provided text. However, it can be inferred that the appointments take immediate effect upon the publication of the notification. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these specific changes is to: * Enhance the decision-making process of the Appropriate Authority by including diverse perspectives. * Improve the regulation and oversight of surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology practices within the UT of Chandigarh. * Ensure that the interests of women and the ethical considerations of medical practice are adequately addressed. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 3649(E) published on August 3, 2022, represents a targeted amendment to the regulations governing the Appropriate Authority for the UT of Chandigarh under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Act, 2021. By including representation from women's organizations and registered medical practitioners, the amendment aims to strengthen the authority's expertise and ensure more comprehensive oversight of surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology practices in the region. This amendment is a significant step towards ensuring effective and ethical regulation in these sensitive areas.

Key Entities Referenced