Maharashtra sex ratio has improved as per 2016 survey: Government
The sex ratio, the number of females per a thousand males, in Maharashtra has improved, said the state government on Friday. Compared to 878 girls per thousand boys during 2013-15, the latest survey in 2016 showed there were 904 girls per thousand boys in the state. Health Minister Deepak Sawant said the government has taken various measures over the years to prevent female foeticide.
In 2016, the ratio increased to 904
Replying to a question by Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Shinde, the Health Minister said, "As per the NITI Aayog, Maharashtra ranked fifth among 17 states where the sex ratio had dipped. The ratio was 896 in Maharashtra during 2012-2014. It declined by further 18 points to 878 in 2013-15." "But in 2016, the ratio increased to 904," he added.
Awareness campaigns, complaints against sex determination helped increase the ratio
About steps taken to increase the ratio, Sawant mentioned that a toll-free helpline number was set up where a complaint about sex determination tests can be lodged. A website "Amchi Mulgi" (Our Girl) was launched as part of an awareness campaign, and around 8,073 complaints about sex determination facilities were registered in the recent past, and action was taken in 876 cases, he said.
