It will be too early to comment on the provisional demographics of the 2011 census related to Jammu & Kashmir. Given the sensitivity of the population issue in the state, it will be wise to wait until the final report is out. However, expectations remain high that the process will naturally remedy the discrepancies which characterized the 2001 census exercise – mainly because of non participation of a large number of people – particularly in the Kashmir region. One particular trend revealed in the provisional census report – that sounds hugely alarming – relates to the sex ratio (number of females per 1000 males) in the state. The manner the ratio of girls taking birth in the state has diminished must act as a strong wake up call to all. The people of Jammu & Kashmir as a whole – cutting across regions - have a lot of soul searching to do. It is one particular area where one does not – and should not - expect the government to do everything for us. It is the society at large, including the religious leaders, who have to act. The revelation that the overall sex ratio and child sex ratio (0 to 6 years of age) has fallen from 892 in 2001 to 883 during 2011 census means many things. One thing stands starkly clear – the society, generally speaking, increasingly prefers to have male babies. According to the previous census figures, J&K had a child sex ratio of 963 in 1981 which had fallen to 941 in 2001. This is a major slide. The revelation that Leh district in Ladakh region has a sex ratio of just 583, marking a steep drop of 240 since 2001 census is quite chilling. Although Kargil district with a ratio of 775 is still better, but that its sex ratio too has gone down by 62 is a matter of concern as well. All this is despite the fact that Ladakh region has remained in the centre of development initiatives at both governmental and non-governmental levels. Little wonder, it has been a recipient of the highest development funding in the entire state in the non-governmental sector. But there are some sources of hope. That the south Kashmir districts of Kulgam and Shopian have the highest sex ratio of 951, which incidentally happen to be 11 points more than the national average, is reassuring. Although the two capital cities of the state – Jammu and Srinagar – have recorded improvements in their sex ratios – 871 and 879 respectively - over the 2001 figures, there continue to be reasons for anxiety. Admittedly, there are good improvements in other development indices like literacy and education, sex ratio slide needs immediate introspection and action. Although there could be some other natural factors characterizing this deterioration of the ratio, some factors stand out quite clearly. No matter how uncomfortable it may sound, the fact is that pre-birth sex determination continues in the state despite being unlawful. The fact also remains that abortions of female babies continue unabated as well. Although it is easier to say that a stricter law and its implementation could help stop this deterioration, the reality is that it goes beyond that. The first and foremost our society as a whole needs to do is to initiate a social transformation to make a girl child desirable like a boy child normally is. No matter our level of ‘modernisation’ and practice of religion, if we continue to live with the primitive practice of female child aversion, all our ‘modern’ values and commitment to religion fail. For improving our sex ratio, making the life of a female easier, right from her upbringing to marriage and beyond will greatly help. And that is where the religious and social leaders need to initiate a change. Laws and development activities alone will not do.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 9 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST