Is the double-engine government in Bihar failing women?
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Synopsis
Bihar's alarming sex ratio at birth of 891 girls per 1,000 boys sparks criticism from Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, who blames the government's neglect and societal biases. With a politically charged backdrop ahead of elections, the issue raises questions about women's empowerment and societal values.
Key Takeaways
- Bihar's sex ratio at birth is alarmingly low at 891 girls per 1,000 boys.
- Priyanka Gandhi criticizes the state government for negligence towards women's issues.
- There is a concerning trend of declining gender balance in Bihar.
- Political engagement among women in Bihar is on the rise.
- Systemic neglect of women's rights is a pressing national issue.
Patna, June 10 (NationPress) The recently published Vital Statistics Report 2022 from the Civil Registration System (CRS), released by the Office of the Registrar General of India, has disclosed a troubling sex ratio at birth of merely 891 girls per 1,000 boys in Bihar.
In response to these alarming findings, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi issued a pointed critique of the Nitish Kumar administration through a strong message on social media platform X.
"What is leading to the continuous decline in the number of girls being born?" she questioned.
Piling on the criticism of the JD-U-BJP-led 'double engine' government, she asserted that this alliance poses a serious threat to women.
"On one hand, there is a persistent wave of violence against women, and on the other, Bihar showcases the worst sex ratio in the nation. This isn't mere coincidence—it's indicative of the government's negligence and the societal biases at play," she stated.
Priyanka Gandhi further emphasized that if daughters are not celebrated at birth, then the slogans surrounding women's empowerment become meaningless.
"This issue transcends mere gender disparity; it challenges our ability to foster a civilized and prosperous society," she remarked.
According to the CRS data from 2020, the sex ratio in Bihar was recorded at 964 girls per 1,000 boys. By 2021, this metric had declined to 908, and further plummeted to 891 in 2022.
This ongoing decline paints a bleak picture of deep-rooted gender biases, highlighting the enduring social stigma that devalues the birth of daughters, despite various state and central initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of girls.
While Bihar experiences a significant downturn, the report indicates that states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttarakhand have generally observed increases in registered births.
In contrast, southern and northern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi, have recorded slight declines in birth rates without such a pronounced gender imbalance.
Nationally, the total number of registered births rose from 242 lakh in 2021 to 254.4 lakh in 2022, while the number of deaths decreased from 102.2 lakh to 86.5 lakh.
Bihar is noteworthy not just for its numbers but for the stark decline in gender balance.
The timing of these revelations is politically charged, coming as the Bihar Assembly elections loom.
In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, women constitute 47.6 percent of Bihar's 7.64 crore voters, with a turnout of 50.4 percent, reflecting a growing political consciousness.
Political factions are eager to win over women, but this data highlights a glaring contradiction between electoral appeals and systemic neglect.
Point of View
It's imperative we recognize the troubling trends reflected in Bihar's sex ratio. This data unveils deep societal issues that must be addressed beyond mere political rhetoric. The ongoing neglect of women's rights and well-being is a national concern that demands immediate attention and action from both the government and society.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current sex ratio at birth in Bihar?
The current sex ratio at birth in Bihar is 891 girls per 1,000 boys, according to the Vital Statistics Report 2022.
Who criticized the Bihar government regarding this issue?
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticized the Nitish Kumar-led government for its handling of women's issues and the declining sex ratio.
How has the sex ratio changed over recent years in Bihar?
In 2020, the sex ratio at birth in Bihar was 964 girls per 1,000 boys, which dropped to 908 in 2021 and further decreased to 891 in 2022.
What does the declining sex ratio indicate?
The declining sex ratio indicates deep-rooted gender bias and societal stigma against the birth of daughters, despite initiatives aimed at promoting girl child welfare.
Why is the timing of this report significant?
The timing is significant as it precedes the Bihar Assembly elections, highlighting a contradiction between political promises and the reality of women's rights in the state.
