NIPCCD Report

·         On August 23, 2008 NIPCCD  shared that - Dowry is the single largest factor behind the declining sex ratio

·         The study was conducted by National Institute for Public Cooperation and Child Development and Centre for social research

·         The study was conducted in Delhi and Haryana, primary locations in the contiguous belt of north India that experienced drastic decline in juvenile sex ratio in recent decades

·         The study found that ultrasound facility for detecting the child’s sex was freely available at both the locations.

Mission IAS’2009

·         The availability of sex-determination facilities was reported by 88 per cent of the women contacted, 78. 3 per cent of men and 30.8 per cent of dais. Even the child development project officers (68 per cent), supervisors (81 per cent) and ANMs (73.3 per cent) reported that the ultrasound clinics were available, indicating the challenge for enforcers of PC & PNDT (Pre conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act).  

·         “There were 26.3 per cent, 30.8 per cent, 52.9 per cent and 66.7 per cent induced abortions in the first, second, third and fourth order of birth in Delhi.” Son preference in both Delhi and Haryana was ironically attributed to the assumption that sons support parents in old age. Over 90.7 per cent respondents in Delhi and 98 per cent in Haryana said they preferred sons as they would be providers in old age.