Declining child sex ratio: perception of ASHA in Rewari district of Haryana state.

A research study to ascertain the perception of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) towards decline in child sex ratio (DCSR) was carried out in Rewari district of Haryana state. Data was collected by interviewing 120 ASHAs using semi-structured interview schedule. The major findings of study are: (1) ASHAs are well aware of DCSR but emphasized the need for more of BCC activities by the Health Department. The factors mainly responsible for DCSR are: son preference and dowry. Mushrooming of USG clinics is also expressed as a major factor by large number of respondents. (2) The various reasons for son preference mentioned by the ASHAs stated that he is a supporter and provider for the parents in their old age; keeps the family name alive and are needed to perform their last rites. Also by investing on sons’ education or business the wealth remains in the family. (3) The major reasons for not preferring female child are dowry and perception of girls being paraya dhan. Other perceptions are that investing on girls is a waste with no returns and security reasons especially against sexual offences. (4) Majority of ASHAs perceived non-availability of brides as major repercussion of DCSR followed by increased crime against women and polyandry.