Sex selection
Thu, October 02 2008
The number of girls for every 1,000 boys from birth to age six is better in rural areas than in high income districts like Bangalore Urban, Mandya, and the northern district of Belgaum, says the recently released Karnataka Human Development Report of 2005.
The ratio in Karnataka fell drastically from 960 to 946 between 1991 and 2001, when the last census was conducted.
The ratio stood at 954 in rural areas and 939 in urban areas. Bangalore has a ratio of 941, much lower than some poorer districts like Kolar, in its neighbourhood and Bidar in North Karnataka. The national average is 927 girls for every 1,000 boys, according to the 2001 census.
Experts working in the field of protection of rights of girls believe that easy access to the technology of sex detection through ultrasound among the affluent in Karnataka has led to the skewed sex ratio in the state.
Female “feticide” is a known reality in the state and no one is doing anything to fight it, say experts.
According to Vimochana, a women’s organization, the number of ultrasound clinics in Bangalore is growing, with as many as 40 clinics in Mandya town alone.
“Looking at figures one can easily imagine the situation,” said Donna Fernandes, a member of Vimochana. “Doctors are the main culprits. In the name of pre-natal diagnosis, they are detecting the sex of the fetus. Instead of accusing parents who go for sex detection, it is the doctors who conduct such illegal practices that should be first punished.”
“Moreover, there is no monitoring mechanism to check sex detection, mandated under the pre-natal diagnostic techniques act,” she added.
Women rights activists say that aversion towards girls is obvious in a state like Karnataka, where the system of dowry is highly prevalent.
“Who would like to have a daughter when the parents have to pay hefty amount of dowry during her marriage?” asked K.S. Vimala of Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane.
“Moreover, women in urban areas of Karnataka are vulnerable to violence and abuse on a daily basis. All these lead towards preference of boys in our society.”
“The figures available with us clearly indicate that mechanisms to stop sex selection have not been effective despite promises of improving vigilance and introduction of schemes like Bhagyalakshmi (under which the government deposits a certain amount in the name of every girl born which she will receive with interest when she turns 18), intended to improve sex ratio in the state,” said Vimala.
“Awareness at the grass root level is needed to tackle the issue,” said an official of health department. “We are cancelling the licences of diagnostic centres and doctors who indulge in sex detection.”
Experts fear that the next census in 2011 will show further decline in the number of females as compared to males.
“The skewed sex ratio has increased violence against women in the state,” said Sheela Reddy, an IT professional.
“As an educated woman I am concerned about the status of women in a state like Karnataka, one of the fastest growing states in the country.”
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