Lok Sabha Question No. 111 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-02
Subject: Gender Ratio
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Kanakmal Katara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 111

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2024

## GENDER RATIO

## 111. SHRI KANAKMAL KATARA:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the  factors  that  have  contributed  to  the  improvement  in  India's  sex  ratio,  as reflected in the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data;
- (b) the broader implications of this improved sex ratio for India's demographic dynamics, socio-economic development and gender equality?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data for the period from 2019-2021, reflects that the Sex Ratio of the total population of India has improved significantly vis-a-vis 2015-16 (NFHS-4).  Further  the  sex  ratio  in  rural  areas  is  better  than  that  of  urban  areas.  Several initiatives taken by the Government may have contributed to the improvement in sex ratio, including focused approach for a positive attitudinal change of society towards the girl child that has aided a shift in patriarchal mind-set from one that perceived the girl child as a burden, towards a perception of girls as valuable members of the family and the society.

The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) is  the  overarching  legal  framework  governing  the  misuse  of  technology  for  detection  and disclosure of sex of the foetus, lest it leads to female foeticide.  Government of India's flagship scheme Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), launched in 2015, leverages mass communication campaign, using multiple forms of traditional and non-traditional media, including social media, and multi-sectoral  interventions to  bring  about  attitudinal  change towards  the  girl  child,  by preventing  and  reporting  female  foeticide,  celebrating  the  girl  child  and  encouraging  and facilitating her education and future. The schemes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana have incentivized financial investments into the girls' future. The schemes like Samagra Shiksha, provision  of  separate  toilet  for  girls  in  Schools,  various  scholarship  schemes,  provision  of affordable  and  quality  sanitary  napkins  under  Pradhan  Mantri  Bhartiya  Jan  Aushadhi Pariyojana, schemes for Women Scientists etc. have also contributed towards behavioural changes resulting in increased enrolment of girls in educational institutions.

(b): The improving trends in sex ratio contribute to better gender balance in the society - in public, household and institutional spaces, increased investment in girls' education and skill development, improved voice and choice of girls and their increased participation in sociopolitical space and economic activities. It is also an indicator of improved educational status of girls and positive change in societal mind-set, which in turn contribute to the reduction of some forms of violence and harassment against women and girls such as the practice of dowry, child marriage etc. It  reflects  a  dip  in  sex-selection  and  female foeticide  and  is  an indirect indicator of increasing awareness in women and girls' of their rights and entitlements. A  healthy  sex  ratio  also  has  the  potential  to  reduce  social  practices  such  as  bride  price, trafficking, which take place in conditions of extremely skewed sex ratio and high levels of poverty.

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