A major study conducted by leading non-government organisations shows an alarming child sex ratio in several districts in Tamil Nadu. The study also pointed to a lack of required infrastructure and other facilities like class rooms, play ground, library, books, drinking water and toilets in schools in the state.
The report – ‘People’s Review of Implementation of promises made under Common Minimum Programme and Millennium Development Goals’ – conducted by Wada Na Todo Abhiyan (WNTA), in collaboration with CADAM, World Vision India and Foundation for Rights of Young Child in Tamil Nadu, was released here on Tuesday.
The study pointed to a declining child sex ratio in Tamil Nadu, which was 948 females for every 1,000 males in 1991, This eventually reduced to 942 in 2001. There was a slight increase in 2011 to 946 per 1,000 male child.
Fourteen districts, including Cuddalore, Permabalur and Dharmapuri, had an alarming child sex ratio at less than 900 per 1,000 males, a matter of serious concern. The cradle baby and girl child protection schemes in the state had only promoted inequality than reducing it, Reni Jacob, director, World Vision, told City Express.
“Discrimination based on gender exists within families and is found to perpetuate into every aspect of child rights like survival, growth and development, protection and participation,” the report said. “The preference for boys in terms of higher education still continues which leads to drop out of girls who ultimately end up doing house chores and child labour.”
Emphasising on education rights of children, the report said there was no necessary infrastructure in schools. Toilets were cleaned by children, especially from the marginalised communities.