17-Dec-2021: Update on Child Sex Ratio

As per the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), the sex ratio of the population (females per 1000 males) for the country was estimated as 1020.

The data on child sex ratio, as available in the State reports of NFHS-5 is placed at Annexure-I.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme aims to address declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and related issues of empowerment of girls and women over a life cycle continuum. The primary objectives of the scheme are to prevent gender biased sex selective elimination, to ensure survival and protection of the girl child and to ensure education and participation of the girl child. The key elements of the scheme include nation-wide media and advocacy campaign and multi-sectoral interventions in some districts. Intermediary target i.e., Sex Ratio at Birth has been set as a monitoring parameter for the progress of the scheme.

SEX RATIO (FEMALES PER 1000 MALES)

FOR THE POPULATION AGE 0-6 YEARS, NFHS-5, 2019-21

Note: The data on child sex ratio is only available in the State report of 18 States, which were covered in Phase-I of NFHS-5. No such report is available for UTs. Also, similar reports for States covered in Phase-II of NFHS-5 is yet to be published.

Annexure – II

SEX RATIO AT BIRTH FOR CHILDREN BORN IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, INDIA AND BY STATES/UTS, NFHS-4 & NFHS-5

3-Dec-2021: Decline in child sex ratio.

As per the census 2011, the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) in comparison of census 2001 has declined in 21 States/UTs.

The Census 2011 was itself a survey of the Government of India conducted through the Registrar General of India in every ten years to ascertain the factual status and obtaining data related to CSR.

Child Sex Ratio (Census by Registrar General of India) is a decadal process. Hence, an intermediary targets i.e. Sex Ratio at Birth have been set as a monitoring parameter for the progress of Scheme. As per the latest available report of Health Management Information System (HMIS) of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, an improving trend of 19 points at National level from 918 (2014-15) to 937 (2020- 21) has been observed.

BBBP scheme is being implemented as per schematic norms only. Consistent efforts are made under BBBP at all levels to generate awareness about the rights of girl child through community engagement, stop sex selection at birth and encourage positive action to support their education growth and development. Convergent efforts are made in collaboration with other Ministries and stakeholders. The implementation of the Scheme is monitored by the task force under BBBP at District, State and National level.