New Delhi – The state government of Himachal Pradesh in northern India has introduced a new incentive scheme to combat the practice of female feticide, whereby parents selectively abort female fetuses. The scheme aims to address the drop in the female-to-male ratio, which has fallen below the national average. The initiative, named the Indira Gandhi Girl Child Protection Scheme after India’s first female prime minister, will provide monetary incentives to parents of single girls who adhere to family planning measures.
According to estimates by the Pew Research Center, at least 9 million female fetuses were aborted in India between 2000 and 2019. Despite being banned, the practice continues to persist, leading to imbalanced gender ratios. Data from the Ministry of Women and Child Development revealed a decline in the ratio of females to males in Himachal Pradesh, dropping from 944:1,000 in 2020-21 to 932:1,000 in 2022-23, significantly lower than the national average of 1,020 females per 1,000 males.
Under the new scheme, families that adopt family planning measures after the birth of their first girl child will receive a cash incentive of 200,000 Indian rupees ($2,400), while those adopting family planning after the birth of their second girl child will receive $1,200. The aim of the scheme is to encourage families to be content with girl children and to discourage the preference for male offspring.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his belief that girls are excelling in various fields and contributing to the nation’s progress. The initiative seeks to empower girls and recognize their achievements, motivating parents to embrace the value and potential of their daughters.
The gender imbalance, particularly in rural areas of India, has long been a concern for human rights activists. The new scheme has been welcomed by organizations working towards women’s empowerment, as it is expected to shift societal perceptions and reduce the societal pressure to have male children.
By offering financial incentives and promoting family planning, the Himachal Pradesh government aims to eradicate the practice of female feticide and create a more balanced and inclusive society. The scheme represents a significant step towards addressing the issue of gender discrimination and fostering equal opportunities for girls in the state.
