Mandya district records lowest birth sex ratio in Karnataka, study shows
Mandya: Despite awareness campaigns and programmes by both the central and state governments to protect the girl child, Mandya district continues to report the lowest child sex ratio (0–6 years) in Karnataka, according to a recent Child Rights Index report released by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR).
The study, cited by The New Indian Express on Sunday, identifies several districts in the state with low sex ratios at birth, including Mandya, Bagalkot, Bidar, Chikkaballapur, and Kalaburagi, with ratios below 900 in certain years. India’s SDG Index, in comparison, targets a sex ratio at birth of 950 females per 1,000 males.
Mandya has consistently witnessed a low sex ratio over the past four years: 884 in 2020, 873 in 2021, 877 in 2022, and 887 in 2023. Other districts fared slightly better in 2023, with Bagalkot at 919, Bidar 920, Kalaburagi 910, and Chikkaballapur 937, although most of these districts had ratios below 900 in 2022.
The study, conducted by S. Madheswaran and B.P. Vani of the Institute for Social and Economic Change, notes that the child sex ratio in Karnataka was relatively stable until 2011 but has declined to 916 during 2018–20. Historically, the ratio dropped from 975 in 1981 to 946 in 2001, inched up to 948 in 2011, and fell again in recent years.
The study cites sex-selective abortions, imbalance at birth, and excess female infant mortality as key contributors. “There are various factors responsible for low female ratio, including gender-based differences in feeding practices, healthcare-seeking behaviour, and differences in immunisation rates between boys and girls,” states the report. Additionally, declining fertility rates and reduced family sizes influence overall sex ratios.
Venkatesh, a KSCPCR member in Mandya, highlighted the difficulty in tracking illegal abortion centres. In one instance, an ultrasound facility operating inside a jaggery factory reportedly referred patients to abortion centres.
“After doing an ultrasound, they referred these patients to various abortion centres. When we come across issues like female infanticide, we inspect the place and, on finding evidence, we report to the police. However, the issue is still a matter of concern,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Venkatesh added that authorities do not want Mandya to be known as a centre for female infanticide and noted that the practice continues, particularly when parents want their first child to be a son or do not want a second girl child.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
