Child Sex Ratio in India

Introduction: Child sex ratio (CSR) is the number of girls per 1000 boys in the age group of 0-6 years. It is an important indicator of gender imbalance and discrimination against the girl child.

Current Situation: In some parts of India, the child sex ratio has fallen to as low as 800, indicating a severe gender imbalance. This is mainly due to the preference for male children, leading to sex-selective abortions, female infanticide, and neglect of the girl child.

Causes: The causes of declining child sex ratio in India are complex and multifaceted. Some of the major reasons are:

- Patriarchal mindset: The preference for male children is deeply ingrained in Indian society, where sons are seen as breadwinners and carriers of family lineage.

- Low status of women: Women in India are still considered second-class citizens, and their role is limited to household chores and childbearing.

- Economic factors: The dowry system, which requires the girl's family to pay a hefty sum to the groom's family, is another reason for the preference for male children.

- Medical technology: Advances in medical technology have made it easier to determine the sex of the fetus, leading to sex-selective abortions.

Impact: The declining child sex ratio has serious implications for the future of India. It leads to a shortage of women, which can result in an increase in crimes against women, trafficking, and forced marriages. It also affects the social and economic development of the country, as women are an essential part of the workforce and contribute significantly to the economy.

Measures: To address this issue, the government has taken several measures, such as:

- The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, which prohibits sex determination tests and regulates the use of ultrasound machines.

- The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, which aims to improve the status of the girl child through education and awareness campaigns.

- The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which provides financial support for the education and marriage of the girl child.

Conclusion: The declining child sex ratio is a serious issue that requires urgent attention. It is essential to change the patriarchal mindset and improve the status of women in society to address this issue. The government and civil society must work together to create awareness and promote gender equality to ensure the well-being of the girl child.