Sex ratio still alarming in J&K, despite measures to check it

Tahir Mushtaq

JAMMU, Mar 20: Despite measures taken by the government to stabilize sex ratio in Jammu and Kashmir, but it is still an area of concern for the administration.

As per census data of 2011, the ratio of female has decreased number of times in past few years. The report of downfall in the birth rate of female in all 22 districts of the state.

According to the census reports of 2001 on a average of 1000 male child birth is decreased several times in the report of 2011.

In district Rajouri the rate of female child birth decreased from 905 to 837, similarly in district Poonch it comes from 959 to 895, the number reduced from 977 to 922 in Kishtwar, wherein Ramban in fall down from 968 to 921.

Similarly when we look up in the figure of female child in district Reasi in comedown from 952 to 932, in Doda it is from 959 to 932, Udhampur shows 912 to 887, district Jammu figures out from 819 female birth which reduced in 2011 report as 795, in district Kathua 847 to 836.

The data further says that in districts Samba, Pulwama, Budgam, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Leh, Kargil the fall down in the birth rate of the female child were 798 to 787, 1046 to 836, 1004 to 832, 1021 to 854, 1014 to 863, 977 to 832, 1011 to 883, 1003 to 882, 961 to 866, 967 to 893, 928 to 869, 955 to 944, 980 to 978 respectively in the duration of ten years.

Replying to the answer of Congress MLC Ravinder Kumar Sharma, Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma said that the main reason for decline in sex ration can be preference of son as girl child is treated as liability, dowry system besides many other related issues.

The minister informed the house that the easy availability of technology is making it easier to translate son preference into the elimination of females.

Data further says that government has already taken strict action against violators of Prenatal Sex Selection/ Determination (PNDT). He said 103 ultrasound clinics have been sealed across the state in violating the norms of PNDT Act.

Sharma said that government is contemplating to install a latest device in private as well as government ultrasound clinics to keep check on limbs determination tests.

He said State has already enacted Preconception and Prenatal Sex Selection Determination (PNDT) Act 2002 being strictly implemented in the State by the regulatory bodies.

 “The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is also frequently monitoring the implementation of PC&PNDT Act in the state” Sharma added.