Gujarat is one of the few states with a skewed sex ratio and rampant female foeticide. In fact, the sex ratio had dipped from 954 in the 1991 census to 824 in 2004. However, the recent data, which pegs the present sex ratio at 891, indicates a marked increase in the figures over the last three years.

“Gujarat also happens to be the only state that has seen such a marked improvement, and it has been acknowledged by the Government of India in its survey report,” said state Health Commissioner Dr Amarjeet Singh.

The comparative data of the other states released recently reveals that Gujarat has shown a maximum improvement from 844 in 2005 to 891 in 2007.

As per previous records, the sex ratio was in a precarious state and had reduced to 802 in 2002 from 954 in 1991. In 2002, the CRS (Central Registration System) data for Gujarat indicated an all time low of 802. It was then that the Health Department launched the Beti Bachao Andolan and tightened its grip over offenders of the Pre Conception and Pre natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act. Later, an amendment to the Act also included the peripheral people not directly involved with sex determination but helping in the act.

Implementing Officer of the PNDT Act, Dr M S Ranawat, said: “In 2004, the CRS survey had revealed that the sex ratio reached 824, and stated how the ratio dropped substantially all of a sudden. It also underlined the high probability of the ratio going below 800, which came as a real shock.”

He added: “Then we came down heavily on the offenders, resulting in seizures and sealing of laboratories. The activity was accelerated at the mass level. Religious gurus were involved and even the media played a role. It was a joint effort, which is now showing an encouraging change.”