PM writes to CMs on dip in child sex ratio

Worried over the sharp decline in the child sex ratio in the country, PM Manmohan Singh has shot off letters to all chief ministers urging them to act in a swift manner to address the menace of pre-natal sex determination.

Worried over the sharp decline in the child sex ratio in the country, PM Manmohan Singh has shot off letters to all chief ministers urging them to act in a swift manner to address the menace of pre-natal sex determination.

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Urging the CM's to provide personal leadership, the PM has said that the issue continues to be a "challenge" in most places. "This is a matter of serious concern and it is with great anguish that I write to you on this important subject," the PM wrote.

PM has sought a feedback from the CM’s on the plans initiated by the respective states to tackle the challenge.

According to the provisional data of Census 2011, the child sex ratio (the number of girls in the age group of 0-6 years per 1000 boys in the same age group) has declined from 927 to 914 in 2011. Among the states, Haryana is at the bottom with a child sex ratio of 830 followed by Punjab with 846.

In the letter Singh has expressed anguish that the implementation of law on pre-natal sex determination continues to be a challenge in most areas.

"The need of the hour is to strengthen monitoring and inspection mechanisms for strict and effective implementation of the law by states and UTs," the letter said.