SEX RATIO PLUNGE

THE CONTEXT: Punjab’s declining sex ratio is a critical indicator of persistent gender inequality and societal challenges. The state’s overall sex ratio stood at 918 females per 1000 males in 2024, a marginal improvement of two points from the previous year. However, this figure masks alarming disparities at the district level, particularly in border regions.

THE DEFINITION: The sex ratio at birth (SRB) is the number of female live births per 1,000 male live births. A normal SRB typically ranges between 952 to 980 females per 1,000 males, as per World Health Organization standards. This biological constant is crucial for maintaining demographic balance and societal harmony.

THE CURRENT SCENARIO: According to NFHS-5 data, Punjab’s sex ratio stood at 918 females per 1000 males in 2024, which remains below the national average of 929.

District-wise Breakdown:

• • Pathankot: The most alarming decline was observed in Pathankot, where the sex ratio dropped sharply from 902 in 2023 to 864 in 2024. This reflects a severe regression and highlights the need for immediate policy intervention.
  • Gurdaspur: The district recorded 888 females per 1000 males, showcasing persistent gender imbalance despite being marginally better than Pathankot.
  • Kapurthala: Kapurthala continues to lead with the highest sex ratio in Punjab at 987 females per 1000 males, though it experienced a slight decline from 992 in 2023. This district demonstrates the potential for replicable best practices.
  • Malerkotla: A notable improvement was seen in Malerkotla, where the sex ratio rose significantly by 39 points to reach 961 females per 1000 males, making it the second highest in the state.

Key Observations:

• • Urban vs Rural Divide: Rural areas of Punjab continue to lag behind urban regions due to entrenched patriarchal norms and limited access to awareness campaigns.
  • Comparison with National Average: Punjab’s sex ratio remains below India’s national average of 943 females per 1000 males (Census 2011), underscoring the state’s systemic challenges.
  • Cross-State Perspective: Neighboring Haryana also declined, with its sex ratio at birth falling to an eight-year low of 910 females per 1000 males in 2024, indicating a regional crisis.

CAUSES OF DECLINING SEX RATIO:

• • Persistent Female Foeticide: Despite being illegal under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994, female foeticide continues unabated due to societal preference for male children. The availability of advanced ultrasound technology has facilitated sex-selective abortions, especially in affluent households, highlighting that economic prosperity does not necessarily translate into gender equality.
  • Ineffective Enforcement of the PC-PNDT Act: Insufficient inspections of diagnostic centers and ultrasound clinics. Prosecution under the Act is slow, with low conviction rates and limited awareness among healthcare providers and communities about the Act’s provisions.
  • Cross-Border Activities Facilitating Illegal Practices: Border districts like Pathankot face unique challenges due to cross-border networks facilitating illegal sex determination and abortions. Proximity to states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir exacerbates the issue as families exploit regulatory loopholes across state borders.
  • Entrenched Patriarchal Mindset: A deeply ingrained patriarchal value system considers daughters a financial burden (due to dowry) and sons as economic assets (for lineage continuation). This mindset cuts across socio-economic strata, indicating that education and wealth alone do not challenge gender biases.
  • Lack of Robust Tracking Mechanisms: There is no comprehensive system to monitor pregnancies from conception to birth, making it difficult to detect cases of sex-selective abortions. Digital platforms like Haryana’s “Mukhbir Yojana” have shown promise but require scaling up and integration across states.
  • Inadequate Accountability for Medical Professionals: Errant medical professionals often exploit legal loopholes or operate clandestinely, facilitating illegal sex determination. Regulatory bodies lack stringent mechanisms to penalize violators or revoke their licenses.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• • Stringent Enforcement of Existing Laws: The Supreme Court has repeatedly directed states to vigorously enforce the PC-PNDT provisions to curb female foeticide. This includes fast-tracking cases through special courts and enhancing penalties for violations. In states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan, periodic raids on ultrasound centers and surprise inspections have significantly reduced illegal practices.
  • Implementation of Robust Tracking Systems for Pregnant Women: Startups employing IoT devices and data analytics (e.g., JioVio Healthcare) have demonstrated potential in monitoring maternal health parameters and identifying at-risk pregnancies. Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS), launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to track women from conception to postnatal care, minimizing the risk of sex-selective procedures.
  • Increased Accountability for Medical Professionals: Enhancing the role of State Medical Councils in revoking licenses of repeat offenders can serve as a deterrent. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advocated stricter mechanisms to penalize erring medical professionals, proposing more transparent investigation protocols.
  • Awareness Campaigns Addressing Root Causes: Government awareness drives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) have succeeded initially. However, for maximum impact, hyper-local interventions through Panchayats, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and NGOs should be used. Incorporating social and behavioral change communication strategies—similar to Swachh Bharat Mission techniques—creates community-driven accountability for safeguarding the girl child.
  • Engagement of Men and Boys: Tailor certain campaign elements specifically towards men and boys, emphasizing their role in challenging gender-based violence, redefining masculinity, and promoting inclusive social structures. Presenting men as partners and stakeholders in gender equality fosters broader cultural acceptance of reform.
  • Highlight Accomplishments over Physical Attributes: By focusing on capabilities and talents—rather than appearance or socially expected “strength”—societies can reduce the pressure on individuals to conform to gender-based expectations. This applies to children and adults, steering attention toward personal achievements and potential.
  • Integration of Gender Equality in Education Curricula: Revisiting the National Curriculum Framework to emphasize constitutional values like Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 15(1) (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sex) helps ingrain egalitarian values from a young age. Collaborations with organizations focusing on gender awareness in schools can bridge formal curriculum gaps.
  • Economic Incentives for Families with Girl Children: Conditional cash schemes linked to the birth and education of girl children have contributed to incremental improvements in child sex ratio, though gaps remain.

THE CONCLUSION:

Collaborate with stakeholders (government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector) to ensure that legal frameworks, institutional support, and local resources align with the campaign’s goals. Track metrics (e.g., shifts in public attitudes, engagement levels, policy changes) to gauge campaign effectiveness. Conduct regular evaluations to refine strategies, ensuring the campaign remains responsive to evolving local contexts and continues to foster long-term change.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q.1 Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? 2024

Q.2 Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. 2014

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 “Despite legal safeguards and awareness campaigns, the declining sex ratio in India reflects deep-rooted social prejudices and implementation gaps.” Critically analyze.

SOURCE:

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/sex-ratio-plunge/

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/haryana-sees-dip-in-gender-ratio-gurugram-worst-hit/