Sanjeev Arora
India is ranked very low in the Human Development Index. The priority of human development would be defeated without the promotion and empowerment of women and girls who constitute nearly 48.46 per cent of total population as per 2011 census. Constitution of India provides equal rights to both men and women as a fundamental right. But in reality, the prevailing patriarchy social structure of India is predominantly responsible for the secondary and subjugated status of women in the society. They are subject to discrimination from womb to tomb. These disparities are reflected in the various indicators of human development such as health, education, nutrition etc. Violence against women remains one of the most pervasive, yet normal manifestations of gender inequality. Violence against women takes a variety of forms from female foeticide, infanticide, child marriage, malnutrition, sex abuse, trafficking and dowry harassment etc. A pernicious form of violence against women is “elimination of girl child”-Fall in child sex ratio.
One of the demographic features of India, Child sex ratio for the 0-6 age group has diminished from 927 in 2001 to 914 in last census. Decline of girl child ratio is continuous for last five decades. CSR in India has declined by 62 points (976-914) while the CSR in J&K has fallen by 97 points (from 957 to 860). Child sex ratio seemed normal till 1981; afterwards there has been steady decline both at national level as well as in the individual states. The standard of sex ratio at birth is biologically stable. Ideally the child sex ratio should be around 950 girls per 1000 boys in the absence of social and behavioral interference. This clearly points to the fact that economic growth and human development seldom moves together, when it comes to improving gender relation. As per 2001 census, only five districts had CSR less than National average i.e. 934 whereas within a decade of time it has declined to the range of less than 919 (National average in 2011) in fifteen districts. Not only in a backward State like Odisha but the same dismal sex ratio is also found in developed states like Maharastra (883:1000), Haryana (830:1000), Jammu Kashmir (859:1000), Punjab (846:1000) as per 2011 Census. Where have all these missing girls gone ?
Despite a slew of laws to prevent female foeticide and schemes to encourage families to have girl child the ratio has declined. Unlike several social legislations directed at changing social behaviour and practices, the pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994 demands ethical medical practices. Unfortunately it has not been able to prevent determination of pre natal sex and female foeticide. In fact, both for the effective implementation of the law as well as for creating collective consciousness to discourage this rampant discrimination against the girl child a person to person social movement need to be initiated at Panchayat level. The recent elections of PRIs in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has given a new life to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
In Jammu and Kashmir more than thirty thousand grass root leaders get elected recently and have became agents of change for planning and execution of different development programmes in a participatory approach. State government has delegated powers and responsibilities to manage 14 departments have been devolved to Panchayats including monitoring and supervision of Health Centres and AWC. Thus the elected representatives especially women are expected to extend their hands in creating a gender just society by dissemination of right kind of information, minimizing the impact of stigma and ensuring livelihood.
Generally the agenda of discussion in Gram Sabha meeting is on infrastructure, IAY house and pension scheme. They seldom discuss on issues of social development such as ensuring attendance of doctors in primary Health Centres or teachers in schools. They never take up other retrograde trends such as trafficking, malnutrition or female foeticide. There is a significant gap between the issues raised for discussion in the Gram Panchayat and the issues that are important to women. So it is the need of the hour for Panchayat to develop strategies to address the issues and challenges of child sex ratio.
Strategies to address the issue of Child Sex Ratio
*Gram Panchayat can take initiative to call for special Gram Sabha to discuss about CSR, the impact of having larger men than women. It is also important to demystify the myths about sex determination of foetus and increase the value of girl though advocacy.
*There is a need of overall transformation of social attitude, where girls are seen as ASSET than LIABILITY. Regular holding of Mahila Sabha, discussion, deliberation on the impact of CSR on Society and illegality of sex determination test would definitely help in changing the mindset of parents.
*Sex determination is possible only after three months of pregnancy. Under the scheme of Mamata, the pregnant women have to register themselves at Anganwadi Centre. Those who register after three months are likely to have gone for sex determination of foetus. These cases should be brought to the notice of Gram Panchayat. Since Ward Member (female) is the Chairperson of the Anganwadi Centre Monitoring Committee.It would be easier on her part to closely monitor the registration of pregnant woman and persuade her to register at Anganwadi Centre after the first month of conception. This platform can put pressure to change mindset and create collective consciousness among the people.
*NGOs which work for women empowerment should take this serious issue on their agenda and undertake sustained IEC interventions in Gram Sabha and Mahila Sabha with the support of Panchayat.
*Panchayat can also select some volunteers of SHGs who can take active lead in educating their members and others in the society through organizing the social campaign.
*Gram Panchayats are the only bodies accessible to almost each / every individual in the village. It is the responsibility of elected Panchayat representatives and volunteers as concerned citizens, to see that neighbours, relatives do not indulge in sex selection. They should keep a watch on the agents or touts who facilitate the family of pregnant woman in sex determination test, female foeticides and should immediately report to the police.
*It is the responsibility of the Panchayat Institutions to be vigilant to ensure that no clinic/medical professional engaged in this activity.
*The Panchayati Raj Institutions can become a critical catalyst for creating an enabling environment for women and girls by moulding attitude and behaviour of people. While the problem won’t be solved immediately, it must be addressed urgently.
(The author is Urban and Regional Planning Gender Consultant, Ministry of Women and Child Development Government of India)
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