The sex ratio is an important indicator of gender balance in the population. The Sex Ratio in the country has shown an improvement. As per the Census, the sex ratio has increased from 933 females per thousand males in 2001 to 943 females per thousand males in 2011.
As per the Census, 2011, the child sex ratio (0-6 years) has declined from 927 females per thousand males in 2001 to 919 females per thousand males in 2011.
Some of the reasons for this imbalance are
- Son meta preference and the belief that only the son can perform the last rites, that lineage and inheritance run through the male line, sons will look after the parents in old age, men are the breadwinners etc. Exorbitant dowry demand is another reason for female foeticide/infanticide.
- Small family norms coupled with the easy availability of sex determination tests may catalyse the declining child-sex ratio, further facilitated by the easy availability of Pre-conception sex selection facilities.
- Agriculture is the main economic activity in Haryana.
- Poor literacy rate like in Rajasthan.
- Low economic development like in UP and Bihar.
Way forward
- Implementation of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme in letter and spirit
- Improve living standards especially for women because empowered women can decide effectively on abortion-related issues.
- Educate women because there is a direct link between the female literacy rate and sex ratio in the state, for example, Kerala.
- Implementation of the PCPNDT Act of 1994 effectively.
- aware the masses of the importance of a healthy sex ratio.
- Abolish the tradition of dowry.
