Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The child sex ratio (CSR), defined as the number of females per 1000 males in the age group of 0-6 years, is a crucial demographic indicator reflecting the societal preference for sons. India has historically exhibited a skewed CSR, and recent trends indicate a continuing decline, though with some regional variations. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), the national CSR stands at 951 girls per 1000 boys, a slight improvement from 919 in NFHS-4 (2015-16), but still significantly lower than the natural biological ratio of 1050. This persistent imbalance has far-reaching implications for India’s social fabric, economic development, and overall governance.
Societal Implications
The declining CSR reflects deep-rooted patriarchal norms and son preference prevalent in many parts of India. This preference stems from factors like inheritance laws, social security concerns, and the perceived economic contribution of sons. The consequences are manifold:
- Increased Gender Imbalance: A lower CSR leads to a scarcity of women in the long run, disrupting the natural demographic balance.
- Rise in Crimes Against Women: A skewed sex ratio can contribute to increased violence against women, including female foeticide, infanticide, and dowry-related crimes.
- Social Instability: The inability of men to find partners can lead to social unrest and frustration.
- Altered Marriage Patterns: In regions with extremely low CSRs, practices like polyandry (a man having multiple wives) have been observed, though rare.
Economic Implications
The economic consequences of a declining CSR are substantial and often overlooked:
- Reduced Labor Force Participation: A smaller female population limits the potential labor force, hindering economic growth.
- Lower Human Capital Development: Discrimination against girls in access to education, healthcare, and nutrition reduces overall human capital development.
- Strain on Social Security Systems: An aging population with fewer women can strain social security and healthcare systems.
- Impact on Consumption Patterns: Changes in the demographic structure can alter consumption patterns and affect various industries.
Governance and Security Implications
The declining CSR also poses challenges to governance and national security:
- Law Enforcement Challenges: Combating female foeticide and infanticide requires robust law enforcement and effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994.
- Social Order Concerns: Regions with severely skewed sex ratios may experience increased social tensions and potential security risks.
- Political Representation: A lower female population can impact women’s political representation and participation in decision-making processes.
- Increased Trafficking: Scarcity of women can fuel human trafficking for marriage and other exploitative purposes.
Regional Variations
The decline in CSR is not uniform across India. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have historically exhibited particularly low ratios, while states in the South and East generally have more balanced ratios. This variation is linked to differences in socio-cultural norms, economic development, and the effectiveness of implementation of the PCPNDT Act.
| State | CSR (NFHS-5, 2019-21) |
|---|---|
| Punjab | 896 |
| Haryana | 893 |
| Rajasthan | 923 |
| Kerala | 953 |
| Mizoram | 964 |
Conclusion
The declining child sex ratio in India is a complex issue with profound implications for the nation’s social, economic, and political landscape. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach encompassing stricter enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, promoting gender equality through education and empowerment, and challenging deeply ingrained patriarchal norms. Sustained public awareness campaigns, coupled with economic incentives for families to value daughters, are crucial for reversing this trend and ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future for India. A holistic approach focusing on social change and improved governance is essential to achieve a balanced sex ratio and unlock the full potential of the nation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.