According to a recent survey, Delhi had a positive sex ratio (1,004 girls born for every 1,000 boys) in 2008 for the first time ever. This is a welcome change from the usual reports of female foeticide in India. However, gender-biased abortion is still a big problem in this country. Social evils such as the dowry system have led to the popular perception of a girl child being a burden. Despite sex-determination tests being banned in India, corrupt doctors and clinics allowing such tests under cover have made the situation worse.
To rid society of such awful practices, people’s awareness should be raised, especially among the underdeveloped sections. In this context, the Kerala government’s intention to reserve 50 per cent seats in the local administration sets a good precedent for fighting prejudice towards women. Now that India has several women in key administrative positions, including the president and the Lok Sabha Speaker, perhaps public attitude towards girl children will change in the coming years.
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha, Kerala
The Telegraph, Calcutta, Aug 30, 2009
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