India: Child sex ratio worsens in Haryana
05 October 2011
Revealing horrifying figures, under-six child sex ratio further declines from 833 to 826 in Haryana during past one year due to prevalent practices of sex determination tests and female foeticide in the state, cites Central Registration System’s report.
Chandigarh: In a shocking revelation, child sex ratio has further declined in Haryana. As per the complied figures of first eight months of 2011 under the central registration system (CRS), the sex ratio is just 826 girls: 1000 boys in the age group of 0-6 years, in comparison to 833:1000 of the corresponding period in 2010. For 1,79,715 boys, just 1,49,745 girls were born in the current year. Even the census figures released in March this year had suggested that the state has 830 girls for each 1,000 boys in the age group of 0-6 years.
According to CRS figures, 13 districts out of total 21 have registered decline in the child sex ratio in Haryana during the last one year/ Photo credit: UNICEF
According to CRS figures, 13 districts out of total 21 have registered decline in the child sex ratio during the last one year. Kurukshetra and Mohindergarh are worst in this regard as the sex ratio in these districts has declined by 63 and 33 points respectively, followed by Sonepat, Karnal and Panipat. On the other hand, Jhajjar and Ambala have seen improvement in the sex ratio by 30 and 27 points respectively, followed by Bhiwani and Rewari.
Already facing serious challenge on this front, the latest figures are alarming for the state known for gender bias. A Rohtak based social activist Pawan Bansal said change in the mindset towards women is the key to solve the problem. "There must be some training or courses for middle rank bureaucracy and policemen up to the level of SHO to handle the offences related with female, so that women don't feel harassed in getting resolved their complaints," suggested Bansal, adding that effective implementation of Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques(PNDT) Act is necessary.
However, the health officials claim that they have stepped up actions under PNDT Act, especially in the recent past in response to dismissal figures of sex ratio in the state in 2011 census. The health department has sealed and seized 21 ultrasound machines during last five months. In seven cases, criminal prosecution has been launched in the courts, besides setting up of district task force at district level to check on female feoticide.
The health officials are hopeful about change in the situation in near future, adding, they have taken many initiatives recently in this regard. "It may take 9-10 months to see the impact of these initiatives," said an officer. Financial commissioner (health) Navraj Sandhu said; " Now, we plan to focus at village-level to check the cases of sex selection and female feoticide."
Source : The Times of India
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