Concern over sex ratio imbalance

In 1961, the number of women against men was 976, now it is 918, which is worrying, said District Women and Child Welfare Department deputy director Sundar Poojary.

He was speaking at a programme to honour the heads of government schools with 100% results of girl children at Netravati auditorium of the Zilla Panchayat.

In Dakshina Kannada, the ratio was 1000:1022 in 2001 and in 2011, it had come down to 1000:1020, he said. The sex ratio of boys and girls was 1000:952 and in 2011. It has dipped to 1000:947, lesser than the average ratio of the state which is 948.

The gap has increased in Yadgir, Haveri, Gadag and Dakshina Kannada. ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ programme has been implemented by the Central government to create awareness on balanced sex ratio and encourage education of girl children.

The programme encompasses training for the staff of the concerned department and the effective implementation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994.

Inaugurating the programme, Zilla Panchayat Social Justice Standing Committee chairman Janardan Gowda opined that difficulties faced by them should be looked into seriously. Bonded labour still exists in tribal communities.

A financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each was provided to 30 girl students who scored high marks in SSLC and PUC exams. Financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each was distributed to 24 government high schools which have achieved 100% pass percentage of girl students in SSLC and PUC.

Under the Hoysala and Keladi Chennama Prashati Scheme for exhibiting exceptional talent, 12 students were awarded Rs 10,000 each and a certificate.

Posters on ‘Gudda Guddi’, ‘Mamateya Thottilu’, ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and ‘Childline Se Dosti’ were released by the dignitaries.

Anganwadi centres, taluk and primary health centres, city municipal corporations, gram panchayats, child development project offices and other taluk and district level offices have been directed to display ‘Gudda Guddi’ plaque containing the sex ratio of boys and girls.

Police stations, district administrative offices, taluk offices, primary health centres and gram panchayats are directed to display the posters on ‘Mamateya Thottilu’ (cradle of affection), the scheme for adoption of newborn children.