Sex ratio dips in rural areas

AHMEDABAD: Researchers have sounded an alarm bell regarding the dwindling Child Sex Ratio (CSR) in both urban as well as rural areas. The CSR, according to 2011 census, in Gujarat—886 girls per 1,000 boys in the 0-6 age group — for the first time has shown a sharp dip in rural areas which were considered comparatively safer for the girl child.

A paper presented by N S Shanthi of the Centre for Social Justice at a seminar Gandhinagar revealed that the sex ratio has dipped more in rural areas as compared to urban areas. This is in contrast to the widespread belief that sex determination and the resultant abortion of the girl child was more rampant in urban areas.

Citing an example, Shanthi said that Rajkot showed an alarming situation — 12 out of 14 rural blocks had less than 900 girls against 1,000 boys; while in urban areas, the CSR was less than 900 girls against 1,000 boys in 9 out of 12 blocks.

Shanti said the CSR among SC and ST has traditionally remained higher, but 2011 census proves migration of community members to urban areas has fuelled a desire for son over daughters.

According to census figures, SC population in 11 districts has shown less than 900 CSR, while the lowest CSR in SC population is in Gandhinagar (829). In ST, four districts have shown CSR less than 900 and they are Gandhinagar (854), Mehsana (856), Amreli (897) and Bhavnagar (799).

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