Declining sex ratio in the district is a concern: DC

Declining sex ratio in the district is a concern: DC

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 5, 2015 : Speaking at a workshop on ’Pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques - PCPNDT Act 1994’ This act bans determination of sex of the foetus; it was organised as part of a ’Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign here on Dec 4, Friday.

The DK DC Adoor B Ibrahim, said the sex ratio of below six-year-old kids in Dakshina Kannada district was 956 per 1,000 boys in 1996. However, it has come down to 946 in 2011. "Dakshina Kannada district has achieved progress in all sectors, the decline in female sex ratio is a cause of concern. The health officials should keep an eye on scanning centres in the district and also create awareness among public," he said.

The district health officials should carry out raids on scanning centres where sex of foetuses is determined illegally and initiate stringent action against them. Anganwadi and Asha workers should create awareness among common people to safeguard the interest of girl children.

Inaugurating the workshop, fourth Additional District and Sessions Court Judge Nerale Veerabhadraiah Bhavani said that status of women, poverty and illiteracy are reasons behind decline in sex ratio in the country.  She said, "Education will empower women and in turn, it will reduce the female foeticide. Women should have knowledge on their rights."

She stressed on the need to create awareness on ill affects of dowry system. There is a need to create awareness on PCPNDT Act among general public, she observed.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer P I Sreevidya, Mangaluru Bar Association President S P Changappa, District Surgeon Dr Rajeshwari Devi and others were present on the occasion.

The workshop was organised jointly by Dakshina Kannada District Legal Services Authority, the district administration and the Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Welfare Department and Mangaluru Bar Association.