Sex Ratio in South India plunges, raises concern

Common perception dictates that the southern states of India are more progressive in comparison to their northern counterparts when it comes to women empowerment.

Women in South India are believed to enjoy more independence, freedom and a say in the household matter. 

However, recent figures released by Civil Registration system indicate a serious dip in sex ratio in the otherwise better off South Indian states.

Activists on ground who have been working to spread awareness and rein in female foeticide in Karnataka say that while there have been numerous schemes, officials have been lackadaisical in implementing the PCPNDT act of 1994 that prohibits foetal sex determination. 

Mandya, Kollegal and border areas of Karnataka allegedly continue to witness rampant sex determination and elimination. 

However, some activists on the ground are sceptic about the data, as it contradicts the National Family Health Survey data of 2016.

Brinda Adige, a prominent women's rights activist in the city blames increased migration to the urban areas as one of the major reasons for rampant sex determination and elimination.