Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Missing Women: India's Skewed Sex Ratio Concerns
India has a problem with fewer girls being born compared to boys.
This is called a skewed sex ratio.
The latest survey, NFHS-6, didn't include this important information, which is worrying.
A long time ago, a famous economist named Amartya Sen talked about 'missing women,' meaning many women are not alive because of discrimination.
In India, people often prefer sons over daughters because of old traditions.
This leads to practices like sex-selective abortions.
The government has tried to fix this with laws and programs, but more needs to be done.
Experts say we need better rules, more education, and support for girls to make things fairer.
NFHS-6 omitted sex ratio data, crucial for assessing gender equity and demographic trends.
India's sex ratio is 943 females per 1,000 males, with a child sex ratio of 919 girls per 1,000 boys (2011 census).
Patriarchal norms and son preference contribute to sex-selective practices and a skewed child sex ratio.
Regional variations exist, with North India showing a higher preference for male children.
Government initiatives like PC-PNDT Act and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to address the issue, but stricter evaluation and policy measures are needed.
- Who
- Indian government, policymakers, gender equality advocates, researchers
- What
- Omission of sex ratio data in NFHS-6 and its implications for gender equity
- When
- 2023-2024 (NFHS-6 period), historical data from 1991, 2001, 2011 censuses
- Where
- India, with regional variations
- Why
- To assess gender progress, monitor demographic trends, and evaluate policy effectiveness
Patriarchal Norms
Gender Equality Advocates
Son Preference
Patriarchal Norms
Patriarchal norms prioritize sons for lineage and old-age support, leading to sex-selective practices.
Gender Equality Advocates
Gender equality advocates push for valuing daughters equally and challenging patriarchal norms.
Education and Sex Ratio
Patriarchal Norms
More educated mothers have fewer girl children but higher survival rates for girls.
Gender Equality Advocates
Advocates argue for education and awareness campaigns to change attitudes towards girl children.
- Sex Ratio
- 943 females per 1,000 males (2011 census)
- Child Sex Ratio
- 919 girls per 1,000 boys (2011 census)
- NFHS-5 Sex Ratio
- 1,020 females per 1,000 males (2019-21)
- NFHS-5 Child Sex Ratio
- 929 girls per 1,000 boys (2019-21)
- Missing Women Concept
- Amartya Sen's term for the deficit of women due to gender discrimination
- Key Policies
- PC-PNDT Act, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Conditional Cash Transfers
- Regional Variations
- North India has higher male child preference compared to South and Northeast India
- Policy Recommendations
- Stricter regulation of diagnostic clinics, gender-sensitive workplace policies, social security measures