Sex ratio refers to the number of males per 100 females in a population. In India, the sex ratio has been a matter of concern for a long time. The country has been facing a declining sex ratio due to various socio-cultural factors. In this blog, we will discuss the current sex ratio in India and the steps taken by the government to improve it.
Current Sex Ratio in India:
According to the latest census data, the sex ratio in India is 929 females per 1000 males. This means that there are fewer females than males in the country. The sex ratio varies across different states in India. Some states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have a relatively better sex ratio than other states. However, several states, such as Haryana, Punjab, and Gujarat, have a significantly lower sex ratio than the national average.
Reasons for Low Sex Ratio:
The low sex ratio in India is primarily due to socio-cultural factors such as preference for male children, female infanticide, and sex-selective abortions. These factors are deeply ingrained in the Indian society, and changing them requires a significant shift in attitudes and behaviors. Moreover, poverty, illiteracy, and lack of education are also contributing factors.
Steps Taken by the Government:
The Indian government has taken several measures to improve the sex ratio in the country. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme is one such initiative launched in 2015 to promote the value of the girl child and encourage education for girls. The government has also implemented various laws and regulations to prevent female infanticide and sex-selective abortions, such as the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
The government has also launched several programs to promote women’s empowerment, such as the Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme, which aims to empower rural women through community participation. Additionally, the government has set up various schemes to provide financial assistance and incentives to families that have only girl children.