M A I L B A G

Tackling female foeticide in Punjab

IT is really shocking to get a detailed account of the horrible practice of female foeticide from the article “Missing daughters of the land” by Mr Amar Chandel (Nov 10). I do appreciate the efforts of the writer to highlight “the heartless way in which it is done making even the devil faint”.

In fact, the modern, fast moving materialistic way of life leading to an erosion of values, is responsible for such a sad state where the angels of joy and embodiments of compassion and patience (perhaps, another Mother Theresa, Florence Nightingale or Lata Mangeshkar) are not allowed to contribute their mite to make it a better world.

Given a chance, I am fully convinced, the girls are found to be much more hard working, responsible and caring for their parents than boys. I fully agree with Mr Chandel to chalk out a comprehensive strategy involving NGOs to create awareness of the social responsibility to tackle the problem.

Mr Chandel’s article has, perhaps, worked as a catalyst to motivate two NGOs, Guru Kripa Society and Roshni who are already doing something in this line, to launch a comprehensive programme, supported by the media, as a New Year gift to Punjab to tackle the pernicious practice of female foeticide.

Father THOMAS K.J., President, Roshni, Rajpura

II

There is an urgent need to protect the fast disappearing girl child especially from the prosperous states. This is also time to examine all aspects of the gender bias to avoid distortions in society. The most important reason appears to be the rationale that only males can carry forward the lineage. These days there is hardly any difference between girl and boy, excepting in our own minds. One should be thankful to get a healthy and normal child to perpetuate the life through one’s genes which continue in either case. Religious, community and political leaders must address to the silent but sure gender discrimination. Perhaps the following would go a long way to end the present inequity:

First, essentially all women must become part of the work force and not just get tied down to hearth and home. They must be trained on useful vocations and contribute meaningfully to the GDP growth.

Secondly, if there has to be reservation at all, it should be on 50:50 basis between the two genders in all representative institutions — from Parliament to panchayats.

Thirdly, there need not be change in the surname of the girl after marriage. Husband’s surname can be further added to wife’s name, if needed. Names of both father and mother must be indicated in all important documents.

Fourthly, dowry has been a clever ploy to deprive the girl child of her share in the property. She must get equal share along with her brothers. In agricultural communities, there could be some adjustments. The property should remain in her name and not get transferred to her husband.

And finally, the eldest child — whether girl or boy — should get the right to do the last rites of the parents.

AIR-CMDE RAGHUBIR SINGH (retd), Pune

III

Mr Amar Chandel’s article “Missing daughters of the land” (Nov 10) is a warning signal against the growing distortion in the female-male ratio in various parts of the country. Many states including Punjab have banned the pre-natal diagnostic tests for determining the sex of the unborn child. Stringent measures like imprisonment, fine and disqualification of the erring doctors have been incorporated in the law. But laws are of limited value. Exhortations to parents to protect the social balance would be useful.

K.M. VASHISHT, LASSOI (Sangrur)

IV

The article points to the big threat of gender imbalance in the country which may aggravate the situation if not checked. On one hand, we boast of being religious and, on the other, we commit the heinous crime of killing an innocent female child, absolutely for no fault of hers. It is heart-rending to note that a baby girl is killed in the womb in a ghastly manner or thrown into the drains. Nobody bothers about the silent cries of the daughter. Parents who are responsible for this plight of the child will find no solace or forgiveness in the realm of God.

I feel our leaders, teachers and preachers, who have maximum impact on the masses, should come forward to arouse the conscience of the people against biased notions about the birth of a girl and preach for two-child norm in the family. This is the prime need of the hour.

R.K. JAIN, Panchkula

No end to pop music I refer to Mr H. Kishie Singh’s letter “Loudspeakers back in action” (Nov 17). I would like to add that marriage parties are also responsible for noise pollution and public nuisance. Pop songs are played during evenings and the whole late night hours in the residential areas. This is in gross violation of the rules. RAJNISH, Shimla

Clarification

This has reference to the editorial “Human bondage” (Nov 25). The name of the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission is Dr. Justice A.S. Anand and not Justice J.S. Anand as published.

NATASHA S. D’SOUZA, Information Officer, NHRC, New Delhi