Introduction
The sex ratio is not merely a statistical figure; it is a mirror of the societal values and gender dynamics prevailing in a country. In India, the skewed sex ratio has been a long-standing concern, reflecting deep-rooted patriarchal preferences, female infanticide, selective abortions, and disparities in healthcare and nutrition.
India’s sex ratio has historically been male-biased, but over the decades, efforts to correct this imbalance have led to varied trends. The Census and Sample Registration System (SRS) data provide vital insights into these patterns. Analyzing sex ratio trends helps us assess the impact of gender-sensitive policies and identify areas needing urgent attention.
Understanding Sex Ratio
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Definition: Number of females per 1000 males in a population
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Types:
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Overall Sex Ratio: Total number of females per 1000 males across all age groups
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Child Sex Ratio (CSR): Number of girls per 1000 boys in the age group 0–6 years
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The child sex ratio is particularly crucial as it indicates gender preferences at birth and survival chances during early childhood.
Historical Trends in India’s Sex Ratio (1901–2011)
| Census Year | Overall Sex Ratio | Child Sex Ratio (0–6 years) |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 972 | — |
| 1951 | 946 | — |
| 1981 | 933 | 962 |
| 1991 | 927 | 945 |
| 2001 | 933 | 927 |
| 2011 | 943 | 919 |
Key Observations:
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Early 20th century: Sex ratio began declining gradually due to limited access to health services for women and preference for male children.
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1991–2001: The child sex ratio saw a sharp decline from 945 to 927, largely attributed to the misuse of ultrasound technology for sex-selective abortions.
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2011: Some improvement in the overall sex ratio (943), but child sex ratio continued to decline, reaching a worrying 919.
State-wise Variation
The sex ratio shows significant variation across states:
Higher Sex Ratio (2011):
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Kerala: 1084 females per 1000 males (highest)
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Puducherry: 1038
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Tamil Nadu: 996
Lower Sex Ratio (2011):
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Haryana: 879
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Delhi: 868
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Punjab: 895
These variations are influenced by cultural norms, female literacy rates, healthcare access, and economic conditions.
Recent Trends (NFHS-5 and SRS Data)
The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21) reported an improvement in India’s sex ratio at birth from 919 (NFHS-4) to 929 females per 1000 males. Similarly, SRS data (2022) indicated a gradual narrowing of the gap between male and female birth rates, signaling slow progress.
However, the child sex ratio remains a concern in several northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab.
Causes of Skewed Sex Ratio
1. Preference for Sons
Patriarchal traditions associate sons with financial security, inheritance rights, family lineage, and religious duties like funeral rituals.
2. Female Foeticide and Infanticide
Despite legal restrictions, sex-selective abortions are still practiced covertly in some regions.
3. Discrimination in Health and Nutrition
Female children are often deprived of adequate medical care and food, leading to higher infant mortality.
4. Dowry System
The burden of dowry in marriage is a socio-economic pressure that discourages having daughters.
Government Measures to Improve the Sex Ratio
1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (2015)
Launched by the Government of India to combat declining child sex ratios through awareness campaigns and girl child education initiatives.
2. PCPNDT Act (1994)
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act prohibits sex selection and penalizes clinics conducting illegal sex determination.
3. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
A savings scheme for the girl child to reduce the financial pressure associated with her upbringing and marriage.
4. Incentive-Based Schemes
States like Haryana and Punjab have implemented conditional cash transfer schemes like Ladli Scheme, Apni Beti Apna Dhan, and Kanya Sumangala Yojana to promote the birth and education of girls.
Impacts of a Skewed Sex Ratio
1. Marriage Squeeze
A lower number of women leads to fewer marriageable females, creating a demographic imbalance.
2. Rise in Gender-Based Violence
In regions with low female populations, incidents of trafficking, forced marriages, and crimes against women increase.
3. Distortion in Labour Force
A skewed ratio impacts women’s participation in the workforce and economic productivity.
Way Forward
To ensure long-term and sustainable improvement in the sex ratio, the following steps are essential:
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Behavioral Change Campaigns: Curbing son preference through community engagement, media, and education.
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Education of Girls: Empowering girls through quality education can change societal attitudes.
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Strict Implementation of Laws: Monitoring and enforcing the PCPNDT Act at grassroots level.
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Improving Healthcare Access: Ensuring equal nutrition and healthcare for girls.
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Involving Local Governance: Panchayati Raj institutions and Anganwadi workers can play a critical role in awareness.
Conclusion
The sex ratio in India is a telling indicator of gender inequality. While progress has been made in recent decades, the persistent preference for sons continues to endanger the balance. A healthy and equitable sex ratio requires a multi-pronged approach — combining legal measures, educational reforms, economic support, and societal transformation.
Only when girls are valued equally — in homes, communities, and policies — can India achieve not only demographic balance but also true social justice and sustainable development.