Collector concerned over dip in child sex ratio at Salem

While speaking at a function for National Girl Child Day on Thursday, she said, “The child sex ratio has plummeted to 916 girls against 1000 boys in the district. The main reason behind such a skewed gender ratio is the prevalence of sex-selective abortion and female infanticide.”

The child sex ratio is the number of girls against 1,000 boys in the age group till 6 years. To improve the child sex ratio, the Collector announced the launch of ‘Sakthi committee’ for protection of girl child.

“This committee will have officials from social welfare, education, child welfare departments and police. They are formed in each school to identify and sort out issues faced by girl children,” she said.

Further, the Collector also said that the district administration has formed ‘Salem Thangamagal’ project to honour girl children, who excel in arts, literature and sports.

“It has received good response from parents. To encourage budding talents, 33 girl children were honoured with ‘Salem Thangamagal awards’ and issued with certificates. Women should change their thoughts and develop the confidence to achieve in life,” she added.

The Collector also called upon the public to support the administration to free the district from child marriage, sexual abuses against girl children, child labour and school dropouts.