Yet a closer look at the 2001 census reveals that the favourable FMR in Orissa tells only half the story. Rural-urban divides in FMR reveal the truth of the Nayagarh wells. A comparative analysis of the census data of 1991 and 2001 shows that FMR in the 0-6 age group have seen a decline in 12 districts, with Nayagarh coming lowest at 901. The urban-rural divides emphasise this point. The urban sex ratio of the child population for Nayagarh, Boudh and Ganjam are below 860. The erstwhile secretary of Women and Child Development for Orissa and eminent demographer, Satish Agnihotri, pointed out in an article in the Economic and Political Weekly that these figures from Orissa are comparable to the worst-off districts in Haryana and western UP.

Orissa today is being viewed as a potentially high-growth state, and its middle classes are becoming increasingly consumerist in their lifestyles. Unethical medical practitioners have cashed in on this boom. Accessing and providing sex determination and sex selective abortions is the smart and savvy thing to do for both doctors and parents. So we have today small and customised family sizes and the rejection of the unwanted — in this case the female foetus. Dowry has increased manifold in Orissa and so has spending on weddings. Dowry harassment and bride burning cases are regularly reported. Sexual harassment and rapes are also common. The state government has contributed to lowering the status of women by imposing dress codes for college students and women teachers in schools and banning sex education. The two-child norm for elections to panchayati raj bodies is a clear indication of the state’s coercive approach towards women. The state has refused to re-consider the policy while other states have done so. While girls are encouraged to study and be employed, the significant marker of their success is marriage and the ability to bear sons.

... contd.