Hey there, Pune peeps! Did you know that the birth rate of girls in our city and district has taken a nosedive in the past year? Yep, according to data from the Public Health Department, there were only 897 girls born for every 1,000 boys in 2023.
This ‘sex ratio’ is calculated by comparing the number of girls born to boys in a given year. In urban areas of Pune, the ratio was even lower at 897 girls for every 1,000 boys, while in rural areas it was slightly better at 901 girls for every 1,000 boys. It seems like the birth of a girl child is not as celebrated as it should be.
Reports have surfaced indicating that female fetuses are being intentionally aborted once their gender is known. Shockingly, there have even been cases of induced abortions and female genital mutilation. Just six months ago, a horrific case was unearthed in Malegaon, Baramati, where the accused had a history of similar crimes.
To combat this alarming trend, the state government is offering a subsidy of ₹1,500 per month to support women. However, there still seems to be a lack of urgency from both the government and society as a whole in addressing this issue.
Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, the Deputy Director of Health for the Pune Circle, has stated that the Health Department is cracking down on centers that promote illegal fetal sex determination. They have taken action in Baramati and Narayangaon and are working towards raising awareness among the public. Dr. Pawar is urging citizens to report any pregnancy diagnoses to the health system or through the portal ‘Aamchi Mulagi.’
Let’s all do our part to ensure that the birth rate of girls in Pune increases and that every child, regardless of gender, is welcomed into the world with open arms. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and let’s work together to make a positive change in our community.
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