Female Foeticide in Punjab : Causes and Consequences

Inspite of gains in education, longevity and income for some groups of women, Punjab remains the heart land of pre-natal sex selections and post-natal gender discrimination, in the country. The sex ration in Punjab has been skewed since 1901 as is evident from the census figures that the sex ratio in the state has been consistently lower than the national average ever since. The gap in female-male ratio has been ranging from 45 in 1991 to 184 points in 1911. The basic reasons for such an adverse situation, lies in the socio-cultural fabric of the society. The birth of a son is preferred over that of a daughter since ancient times. Being a patriarchal and patrilineal society, the sons are charged with the responsibility to carry on the family name. They have to support their parents during the old age. And after death they are assigned the duty to perform funeral rites. The daughter cannot do this because after marriage, they live and become a part of the groom\'s family. The prosperity is Punjab has, in fact, increased the peoples\' aspiration for a son.