In Haryana, the birth of a son

The exuberant celebrations in Haryana's Dhani Bhojraj village, marking the birth of a son after ten daughters over eighteen years, offer a poignant window into India's enduring struggle with gender bias and the deep-seated preference for male children. This seemingly personal event in a remote village is, in fact, a microcosm of a larger societal challenge that continues to impede India's progress towards true gender equality, despite significant governmental and social efforts.

**The Deep Roots of Son Preference: A Historical and Cultural Legacy**

The preference for a son in Indian society is not a modern phenomenon but is deeply entrenched in historical, cultural, economic, and religious traditions. Historically, sons were considered essential for continuing the family lineage, performing ancestral rites (like the 'pind daan' in Hinduism), and providing old-age security to parents. Economically, sons were seen as assets who would earn and support the family, particularly in agrarian societies, while daughters were often viewed as liabilities due to the dowry system and the expectation that they would move to their husband's family. The patriarchal structure of society further reinforced this bias, granting males superior status and control over resources. This deeply ingrained mindset has historically led to discriminatory practices ranging from neglect of female children to female infanticide and, more recently, female feticide.

**The Haryana Paradox: Progress Amidst Persistence**

The incident in Dhani Bhojraj village is particularly striking because it occurred in Haryana, a state that has historically had one of the worst sex ratios in India but has recently shown remarkable improvement. The state's sex ratio at birth (SRB) crossed the 900-mark in 2016 for the first time in a decade and has continued to improve, reaching 919 in 2023. This progress is largely attributed to the central government's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (BBBP) scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Panipat, Haryana, in January 2015, alongside stringent enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994. However, the village festivities underscore that while policies can influence demographic statistics, changing deeply ingrained social attitudes requires a far more profound cultural shift.

**Key Stakeholders and Their Roles**

The primary stakeholders in this scenario are the family and the local community. The parents, driven by persistent social taunts and cultural longing, exemplify the immense pressure individuals face. The ten daughters, who preceded the son, represent the often-unseen consequences of this bias, potentially growing up in an environment where their gender is implicitly devalued. The broader village community, through its celebrations and underlying social norms, acts as a perpetuator of this gender preference. The government, through its various ministries (like Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare), acts as a key stakeholder by formulating and implementing policies such as BBBP, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and enforcing the PCPNDT Act. Civil society organizations and NGOs also play a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for gender equality, and challenging patriarchal norms at the grassroots level.

**Significance for India: A Multifaceted Challenge**

This incident highlights several critical issues for India. Socially, it points to the enduring gender inequality that impacts women's health (repeated pregnancies often for a son), education, and overall empowerment. A skewed sex ratio has long-term demographic implications, potentially leading to a 'bride shortage,' increased violence against women, and human trafficking. Economically, neglecting half of the population's potential hinders India's demographic dividend and overall economic growth. Politically, it challenges the effectiveness of governance in ensuring social justice and the success of welfare schemes. The persistence of son preference also impacts India's global standing on human rights and gender equality indices.

**Constitutional Framework and Policy Response**

India's Constitution enshrines principles of equality and non-discrimination. The Preamble promises 'Justice, social, economic and political' and 'Equality of status and of opportunity.' Article 14 guarantees 'Equality before law' and 'equal protection of laws.' More specifically, Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, with Article 15(3) allowing the state to make special provisions for women and children. Article 39(d) directs the state to ensure 'equal pay for equal work for both men and women,' while Article 51A(e) makes it a fundamental duty of every citizen 'to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.'

To combat son preference, the government has enacted the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, which prohibits sex determination before or after conception. Schemes like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' aim to improve the Child Sex Ratio (CSR), ensure survival and protection of the girl child, and promote their education. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana encourages parents to save for their daughter's education and marriage. Despite these robust legal and policy frameworks, the incident in Haryana underscores the gap between statutory provisions and societal realities.

**Challenges and the Path Forward**

The future implications are clear: without a fundamental shift in societal attitudes, legal frameworks and welfare schemes will remain partially effective. The challenge lies not just in preventing sex-selective abortions but in transforming the underlying value system that devalues girls. This requires comprehensive efforts focusing on women's education and economic empowerment, strict enforcement of anti-dowry laws, promotion of shared familial responsibilities, and public awareness campaigns that celebrate daughters. Education plays a pivotal role in challenging traditional mindsets. Ultimately, true gender equality will be achieved when the birth of a daughter is celebrated with the same joy and anticipation as that of a son, free from social pressure or economic anxieties.