This is because menarche and consequent growth spurt are delayed by almost one year in the case of poor rural girls. Between 14 and 18 years, there is a significant degree of catch-up of the growth levels of poor rural girls with those of the affluent girls. For this reason, it is even more important that conception is delayed till about the 18th year among the poor rural girls. An unfavourable social milieu affects girls' and women's nutrition and health adversely. Their poor status compromises maternal health in many ways compared with boys.
Girls often get less education, less food and less health care.
Ironically enough, some sections of the society continue to be deprived of the most basic requirements for good health. The 1991 Census reveals that 61 percent of girls are illiterate as compared to 36 percent of boys. Educated and trained on proper lines, girls and women become an asset in ensuring social change in a desired direction. The positive effects of literacy on important nutrition and health indicators can be seen mostly in the long run. There should be an appreciation of the need to create awareness among the people who need it most.