We have now a clue to substantiate our apprehension. The male-female gender ratio has become a matter of worry now.
What is disappointing is the declining ratio has remained consistent for the last four years. This year, the ratio stands at 1000: 925. This means Odisha gets 925 female childbirths per 1000 male childbirths, which is very alarming. According to available data, the ratio is on the wane for the last four years.
Though the number of women population is the lowest in Haryana still the northwest State has a big solace that the gender gap is rising every year.
The declining gender ratio has added to the woes of the fair sex clan in Odisha where the incident of violence against women has taken a dangerous proportion. According to the NCRB report, Odisha records seven rape cases every day.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has targeted the BJD government over the issue.
“Women have not been given due respect during the 23 years of rule of the BJD government. Women are not safe in the State. The gender ratio has turned into an alarming position in Odisha. Now, there are 925 girls against 1000 boys in Odisha. Why this gap,” wanted to know BJP State chief
She blamed the BJD Government for the decline in male-female ratio. “While the women population is rising in Haryana, why this is not happening in Odisha? The faulty policy and inefficiency of the BJD government is solely responsible,” contended the chief.
According to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), the incidents of violence against women and crimes related to women are also rising. While there were 1,55,420 such cases were registered in 2021,the number rose to 1,78,190 in the year 2022.
Odisha stands first in the country among the States witnessing incidents of violence against women.
Cases of women suicide have risen alarmingly by 613 percent. Where there were 613 women suicide cases registered in 2022, the number rose to 2,691 in 2023. The conviction rate in these cases has remained very dismal at 8 percent only.
Opposition parties have severely criticized the BJD government often alleging that it is not taking action against the BJD MPs, MLAs, and Leaders involved in criminal cases, including violence against women.
“From the NCRB data, it is clear that women are not at all safe. Police stations are not receiving complaints related to incidents of violence against women. In its 23 years of rule, the BJD government has not taken any development programmes for women, “alleged the BJP Mahila chief.
She demanded that the Chief Minister should inform the people of the State how many girl children are missing now and what measures his government has taken for the safety of women and to enhance the gender ratio.
