Introduction
Sex ratio is the number of females per 1,000 males in a population. In the case of the child sex ratio (CSR), it refers to the number of girls per 1,000 boys in the age group of 0–6 years. A healthy sex ratio is important for social balance and equality. Unfortunately, India has been facing a low child sex ratio for several decades. This imbalance reflects deep-rooted gender discrimination and has serious implications for society. This article discusses the major reasons for the low child sex ratio in India.
1. Preference for Sons
One of the main causes of a low child sex ratio is the strong cultural and social preference for sons. In many Indian families:
- Sons are seen as carriers of the family name and lineage.
- They are expected to support parents in old age.
- Boys are considered a source of financial security, especially in rural and agricultural communities.
- Daughters, on the other hand, are often viewed as a financial burden due to dowry and marriage expenses.
2. Female Foeticide and Sex-Selective Abortions
With the advancement of medical technology, especially ultrasound scanning, it has become possible to determine the sex of the unborn child. In many cases:
- If the fetus is female, families choose to abort it, leading to a decline in the number of girl children being born.
- Although sex-selective abortions are illegal under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, they still happen in secret.
3. Neglect of Girl Children
Even after birth, many girls face discrimination in food, healthcare, and education. This unequal treatment results in:
- Higher infant mortality rates among girls compared to boys.
- Less medical attention for girls when they are sick.
- Poor nutrition leading to long-term health problems.
4. Early Marriage and Teenage Pregnancies
In many parts of India, girls are married off at a very young age, leading to:
- Teenage pregnancies and childbirth complications.
- Higher risk of maternal and child mortality.
- Trapped cycles of poverty and lack of empowerment.
5. Lack of Awareness and Education
Many people, especially in rural and backward areas, are not aware of the legal protections available for the girl child. Lack of education and awareness leads to:
- Blind acceptance of traditional beliefs.
- Ignorance of the long-term consequences of a skewed sex ratio.
6. Weak Law Enforcement
Despite having laws to prevent sex determination and female foeticide, implementation is often weak.
- Doctors and clinics that perform illegal sex determination tests go unpunished.
- Corruption and loopholes in the system make enforcement difficult.
7. Economic Burden of Raising Girls
Many families believe that raising a girl is economically unviable due to:
- Dowry expectations during marriage.
- Perception that girls leave the family after marriage and do not contribute financially.
Conclusion
The low sex ratio among children in India is a matter of serious concern. It reflects how deeply gender inequality is rooted in society. The problem needs a multi-dimensional approach including strict law enforcement, public awareness, economic empowerment of women, and changing social attitudes. Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao are steps in the right direction, but greater efforts are needed to build a society that values and protects its girl children equally.