Context: The sex ratio at birth in Haryana, which peaked at 923 in 2019, has fallen to 910 in 2024, hitting its lowest point in eight years.
What is the present sex ratio in India?
• As of January 2025, the sex ratio at birth in India stands at around 933 females for every 1,000 males.
Why Historically has there been an Imbalance in the Sex Ratio in India?
• Historically, India has experienced an imbalanced sex ratio, largely driven by cultural biases favoring male children, which has led to practices such as female foeticide. The sex ratio was recorded as 943 females per 1,000 males in the 2011 Census. Several factors contributing to this disparity include:
• Cultural Preference for Sons: Societal values often prioritize male children, perceiving them as economic assets, while daughters are considered financial liabilities due to dowry customs.
• Female Foeticide: The availability of prenatal sex determination technology has facilitated sex-selective abortions, exacerbating the gender imbalance.
• Economic Considerations: Families may choose to have fewer children, preferring sons to ensure the continuation of the family lineage and to provide support in old age.
What are the Government Initiatives to Improve the Sex Ratio?
The Indian government has introduced various initiatives aimed at improving the sex ratio:
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign: Launched in 2015, this initiative seeks to prevent female foeticide and enhance the welfare of girls.
• Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PNDT Act): Enacted to prevent sex-selective abortions and promote gender equality.
• Financial Incentives: Schemes offering financial support at the birth of a girl child (e.g., Rs 21,000) encourage families to value daughters.
• Education and Awareness Programs: Efforts are made to enhance female education and reduce the dropout rates among girls, which play a vital role in fostering long-term gender equality.
Way forward:
• Enhance Law Enforcement and Oversight:Ensure rigorous enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, with heightened monitoring and prompt actions against violations.
• Tackle Cultural and Economic Obstacles:Launch focused campaigns to challenge patriarchal attitudes, promote gender equality, and provide incentives for families to support and raise daughters.
