Points to Remember:
- Declining female child sex ratio at birth.
- Societal preference for sons.
- Gender-biased sex-selective abortions.
- Lack of awareness and education.
- Inadequate healthcare for women and girls.
- Poverty and economic factors.
- Impact of government policies and interventions.
Introduction:
India faces a significant challenge in the form of a skewed sex ratio, reflecting a disproportionately lower number of females compared to males. The sex ratio at birth (SRB), which is the number of female births per 1000 male births, is a crucial indicator of this imbalance. While the overall sex ratio has improved slightly in recent decades, it remains alarmingly low, particularly in certain states. This low sex ratio is not a natural phenomenon but rather a consequence of deeply ingrained societal biases and practices. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data consistently highlights this disparity, revealing a persistent preference for sons and the resulting practice of sex-selective abortions and female infanticide.
Body:
1. Societal Preference for Sons:
The deeply rooted patriarchal structure of Indian society places a significantly higher value on sons than daughters. Sons are often seen as the primary providers and inheritors of family property, responsible for carrying on the family lineage and providing for their parents in old age. This preference fuels the demand for male offspring, leading to discriminatory practices against girls.
2. Sex-Selective Abortions and Female Infanticide:
The availability of prenatal sex determination technologies, despite being illegal in India under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, has exacerbated the problem. Many couples, driven by the preference for sons, resort to sex-selective abortions to eliminate female fetuses. While less prevalent now than in the past, female infanticide â the killing of newborn girls â still occurs in some areas.
3. Lack of Awareness and Education:
A lack of awareness about the legal ramifications of sex selection and the importance of gender equality contributes to the problem. Limited access to education, particularly for women, perpetuates traditional beliefs and practices that discriminate against girls. Educational initiatives focusing on gender equality and the harmful effects of sex selection are crucial.
4. Inadequate Healthcare for Women and Girls:
Discriminatory practices within healthcare systems further marginalize girls. Female infants and children often receive less attention and care than their male counterparts, leading to higher mortality rates among girls. Access to quality healthcare, including maternal and child healthcare, is essential to address this disparity.
5. Poverty and Economic Factors:
Poverty and economic hardship can exacerbate the preference for sons. In impoverished families, sons are often seen as a source of future economic support, while daughters are perceived as an economic burden due to dowry expectations. Addressing poverty and improving economic opportunities for women can help mitigate this factor.
6. Impact of Government Policies and Interventions:
The Indian government has implemented various policies and programs to address the skewed sex ratio, including the PCPNDT Act, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) scheme, and various initiatives promoting women’s empowerment. However, the effectiveness of these interventions varies across regions and requires continuous monitoring and improvement.
Conclusion:
The low sex ratio in India is a complex issue stemming from a confluence of societal, economic, and cultural factors. While the preference for sons remains a primary driver, the availability of sex-determination technologies and inadequate healthcare for women and girls further exacerbate the problem. Government initiatives have played a role, but their impact needs strengthening. Moving forward, a multi-pronged approach is crucial. This includes strengthening the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, promoting gender sensitization and education through comprehensive awareness campaigns, ensuring equal access to quality healthcare for all, addressing poverty and economic disparities, and empowering women through education and economic opportunities. By fostering a culture of gender equality and valuing girls and women equally, India can strive towards a more balanced and just society, upholding the constitutional values of equality and dignity for all citizens. This holistic approach is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
MPPCS Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for MPPCS Prelims and MPPCS Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by MPPCS Notes are as follows:-- MPPCS Mains 2025 Tests and Notes Program
- MPPCS Prelims Exam 2025- Test Series and Notes Program
- MPPCS Prelims and Mains 2025 Tests Series and Notes Program
- MPPCS Detailed Complete Prelims Notes 2025