Which state has the lowest sex ratio in India?a)Uttar Pradeshb)Punjabc...
Introduction
The state of Haryana has the lowest sex ratio in India. The sex ratio is a demographic indicator that shows the number of females per 1000 males in a given population. A lower sex ratio indicates a higher prevalence of gender imbalance, usually resulting from a preference for male children and discrimination against females.
Reasons for the low sex ratio in Haryana
There are several factors that contribute to the low sex ratio in Haryana:
Son preference and female foeticide
In Haryana, as in many other parts of India, there is a deep-rooted preference for male children. This preference stems from cultural and societal factors that place a higher value on sons. As a result, female foeticide, the selective abortion of female fetuses, is practiced in Haryana, leading to a significant decline in the number of girls being born.
Gender discrimination and neglect of girls
Discrimination against girls is prevalent in Haryana, leading to neglect and poor care of female children. Girls may receive limited access to healthcare, education, and nutrition compared to boys. This discrimination perpetuates the cycle of gender imbalance and low sex ratio.
High rates of female infanticide
In addition to female foeticide, Haryana also has high rates of female infanticide, where newborn girls are killed shortly after birth. This practice is driven by societal norms that favor male children and consider girls as a financial burden due to dowry customs.
Migration and skewed population distribution
Haryana has a high rate of male outmigration due to employment opportunities in other states. This leads to a skewed population distribution, with a higher proportion of males compared to females in the state.
Efforts to improve the sex ratio in Haryana
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the government and various organizations have taken steps to address the low sex ratio in Haryana:
Prevention of female foeticide
The government has implemented strict laws and regulations to prevent female foeticide, including the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. This act prohibits the use of diagnostic techniques for determining the sex of the fetus and aims to curb the practice of sex-selective abortions.
Awareness campaigns
Various awareness campaigns have been conducted to challenge societal norms and promote gender equality. These campaigns aim to change mindsets and attitudes towards the value of girl children.
Support for girl education and empowerment
Efforts have been made to improve access to education for girls in Haryana. Scholarships, incentives, and awareness programs have been implemented to encourage families to educate and empower their daughters.
Women empowerment programs
Several government schemes and programs have been launched to empower women economically and socially. These initiatives aim to provide women with equal opportunities and support their active participation in society.
Conclusion
The state of Haryana has the lowest sex ratio in India due to various factors such as son preference, female foeticide, gender discrimination, and skewed population distribution. Efforts to improve the sex ratio include strict legal measures, awareness campaigns, support for girl education, and women empowerment programs. These initiatives are crucial in addressing the gender imbalance and