India’s preference for boys and the resulting skewed sex ratio could plunge the country into a serious social crisis. A study by the United Nations Population Fund has warned that the shortage of girls in society could affect the stability of the entire marriage system, trigger social unrest and unleash a whole array of social problems.

Prejudice against girls prompts many women to abort female fetuses. Experts estimate that India has lost 10 million girls in the past 20 years to female foeticide. Prenatal sex selection has resulted in a sex ratio that is skewed against girls. In 2001, India had 927 girls for every 1000 boys; down from 945 per 1000 boys in 1991.

Some analysts have said that a skewed sex ratio might work in favour of girls; as demand for girls grow, goes the argument, they will be valued more. But such arguments are severely flawed, based on a superficial understanding of society. A shortage of girls is more likely to increase sexual violence and encourage practice of polyandry.

It will increase trafficking of girls. Such problems are already visible in the country. Villages in Punjab and Haryana, where the sex ratio stands at a shocking 690 girls are reporting polyandry. Girls are being trafficked into these states.

Karnataka cannot afford to ignore the implications of its adverse sex ratio. The state’s sex ratio might not be among the worst in the country but it is adverse and has fallen from 960 girls in 1991 to 949 girls in 2001. Bangalore is among the districts with the worst sex ratio in the state. The negative social fallout of this, which we are now witnessing in states like Punjab and Haryana, will be felt in Karnataka soon if we do not act now.

Demographic experts are warning that female foeticide is increasing in India and that Census 2011 is likely to throw up sex ratio statistics more alarming than in 2001. Sex determination of the foetus is banned in India. Yet prenatal sex selection continues because action is rarely taken against those who are violating the law.

In the 13 years since the enactment of the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, only one doctor has been convicted. The law must be implemented to address the problem. Besides, the deep-rooted prejudice against the girl child needs to be tackled vigorously. People should be made aware that a future without women or one with less women spells disaster for society.