Save the Histrionics, Help the Girl Child

This January, India shall mark the first anniversary of the “Beti Badhao Beti Bachao” campaign. The laudable effort of the Government, led by the Prime Minister’s clear message to educate our girls and ensure their safe upbringing was indeed the message India needed. India has had the terrible misfortune of suffering from the bane of female infanticide. A whole host of reasons – ranging from literacy levels, to lack of women’s safety amongst others have been given for why we, as a society, witness this modern day cold-blooded murder. Therefore, the Prime Minister’s clarion call for a concerted attempt to correct this malaise in our society was timely.

While we all acknowledge the importance of this campaign against female infanticide, the facts that have emerged on India’s sex ratio in the 2011 census makes for mind numbing reading. India today has the lowest sex ratio since 1961. From a level of 927 females per 1000 males, the figure in 2011 stands at a dismal 918. Further, the decline in females has been witnessed most notably in the Hindu population, which form a majority in our country. Proponents who argue on a direct link between the lack of literacy and skewed sex ratios would do well to look at the census data. While overall literacy a rate across communities in India has risen, the effect on sex ratio has not only not improved, but declined further. The only proverbial silver lining seems to be that as compared to the previous decade’s census, the literacy rate amongst women has risen notably. So while there are not enough girls for a healthy society, at least more girls are going to school. Cold comfort for 21^st Centaury India I am afraid.

The situation in India that emerges today is not a pretty one. It’s one that needs drastic and collective action as a society. Those of us who propose increasing levels of literacy are not far from the solution, but more needs to be done on multiple fronts. Many parents see a girl as a “burden” (I put the word in quotes because I abhor the notion). This stems from a belief that the money spent on rearing and educating a child is better spent on a male child than on a girl. This cruel ‘return on investment’ myth needs to be demolished. Not only are educated women more likely to create stable and prosperous households, they will also educate their children further than illiterate mothers. Educated mothers and wives help create healthier families and also contribute meaningfully as equals to the household monies.

The Government therefore needs to attack this problem with a multi-pronged approach. To begin with the Government has taken important steps in curbing the menace of ultrasound machines being used in an unregulated manner that has directly contributed to the skewed sex ratio in India today. This needs to be further strengthened given that one hears incredulous stories of ultrasound machines at veterinary clinics being used surreptitiously for screening pregnant women at the behest of desperate to be parents. The Government needs to incentivize the investment in the education and upbringing of girls. While free education is today offered as a universal policy, access to quality education and to means of reaching these institutions is important. Some states have adopted the distribution of bicycles as a means of ensuring that freedom. Also important are education and awareness campaigns, which need to percolate down to the village and mandal level. On the last count, the Government has done well.

But most of all, we as a society cannot expect the Government to cure the ills that we create. Ultimately, we all have to set examples and ensure that we make others more aware of the problem India faces. It is time we practice what we preach. Parents of girls should not fear for the safety of their children as they live their lives as free citizens of India. This entails not only better and effective law enforcement, a change in mindsets and awareness; it also requires a will. The time for inaction is over. The time for candle light marches is also over. 21^st Century India carries an 18^th Century scourge; we must all do our utmost to tide over this. As a proud father of a beautiful five-year-old girl, I just hope that when one reads the Census of 2021, I can be proud of what we have collectively achieved. With this hope I welcome a new year.