The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides valuable insights into the demographics of India, including vital statistics such as sex ratio. A recent study based on the survey indicates that ‘son bias,’ a preference for male children, is decreasing in India. As per the report, the Sex Ratio at Birth has normalized from 111 boys for every 100 girls in 2011 to 108 boys for every 100 girls in 2019-21. However, despite this improvement, the issue of unequal sex ratio continues to pose challenges.
National Figures and Religion-Wise Sex Ratio
The report highlighted that the average annual number of ‘missing’ baby girls in India has decreased from roughly 4.8 lakh in 2010 to 4.1 lakh in 2019 – these figures reflect the number of female births that were prevented due to sex-selective abortions. Between 2000-2019, around nine crore female births reportedly went ‘missing.’
A critical aspect of the report was its religion-wise break-up of sex ratios. Notably, it pointed out that the discrepancy was highest amongst Sikhs, who had a sex ratio at birth of 130 males per 100 females according to the 2001 census. By 2011, this ratio had improved significantly to 121 boys per 100 girls, closely paralleling the nation’s Hindu majority sex ratio.
Historical Overview of Sex Ratio in India
Globally, there are typically around 105 male babies born for every 100 female babies. In India during the 1950s and 1960s, this was also the prevalent ratio until the availability of prenatal sex determination tests altered it significantly. The introduction of these technologies gave rise to sex-selective abortions, leading to a sex ratio imbalance.
Challenges Faced in Achieving Balanced Sex Ratios
Several issues hinder efforts to attain a balanced sex ratio. One of the primary obstacles is deep-rooted societal preferences for male children. This bias stems from regressive attitudes that associate girls with burdensome dowries. Other challenges include the misuse of technology for sex determination and lax implementation of laws targeting sex-selective practices.
Looking Ahead: Steps toward Achieving Gender Equality
Addressing the sex ratio imbalance calls for comprehensive measures encompassing behaviour change, stringent law enforcement, and gender equity education. Initiatives like the government’s Beti-Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign have had significant success in altering societal attitudes. Additionally, strengthening the enforcement of laws like the PC-PNDT Act, 1994 can enhance the effectiveness of these measures.
This analysis provides insights into India’s struggle with sex ratio imbalance and points towards ways forward for achieving gender equality. However, the road to balance and equity is long, and it requires persistent collective efforts to overcome persisting challenges.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024