Girl child not the favoured ones!

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The gradual fall in the birth rate of girl children in the district indicates an alarming signal of the impending unhealthy imbalance in sex ratio in the near future.

According to the 2011 census and a recent study of the health department, the birth rate of girl children in the district is falling considerably. As per the 2001 census, the female population in the 0 to 6 age group was 165, 511 in the district while it sharply decreased to 141, 234 during the 2011 census.

Though the sex ratio among adults remains impressive with 1,028 females for 1,000 males, the ratio among the 0-to-6 age group indicates an unhealthy trend. While the state has a sex ratio of 959 females to 1,000 males, in the 0-6 years child population, it is 954 for 1000, in the district. In the 2001 census also, the child sex ratio was the same in Ernakulam.

In order to save girl children, the district panchayat is planning to implement a new project called ‘Prakasam parathunna penkutty’ aimed at creating awareness on female foeticide and its consequences.

“The fall in the birth rate of the girl child is upsetting. Though the state is in a much better position when compared to other states like Punjab and Haryana, the issue of decline in the birth rate of girl children needs immediate intervention,” said Dr K.V. Beena, district manager of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

One of the major reasons cited for the decrease in girl population was female foeticide. Though abortion was allowed only in hospitals accredited by the District Medical Officer, several private hospitals had done it illegally. So, it was difficult to get a clear picture of female foeticide, said Dr Beena.

As per the 2011 census, the district has a population of 32, 79, 860 of which 16, 17, 602 are males and 16, 62, 258 are females.

A week-long awareness campaign based in schools, colleges, scanning centres, hospitals and public places is being planned as part of the project. It is being implemented in coordination with the health department and NRHM.

Minister K. Babu will inaugurate the project to be held on August 31 at the district panchayat office.