A data compiled by the Health Department on sex ratio at birth, based on the level of education, reveals that illiterate population in the state is far better than the educated lot.

The literate in the state have a dismal ratio of just 749 girls per 1,000 boys at birth, against 845 girls among the illiterate. The undergraduates, graduates and others with higher degrees have the ratio of 721 girls at birth. But the illiterates are better off by a startling 113 point over graduates,” said Dr V K Goyal, State Controller for the PNDT Act.

“For illiterates, it’s like blissful ignorance. The damaging trend among others is on account of the awareness about techniques of sex determination and abortions,” he said.

As Punjab awaits the next census, hoping to wipe off its poor sex ratio blemish, the state’s efforts on this front have started to yield results.

The survey by the Health Department on child sex ratio covering the entire rural Punjab paints a picture of hope. Against a child sex ratio of 798 during the 2001 census, the latest figure reveals that the ratio has crossed 817 girls per 1,000 boys, the survey said.

“There were as many as 2,858 sub-centers in Punjab, all in rural areas, which were included in the survey. The number of girls has increased,” he said. Last year, the state government received claims of improved sex ratio from as many as 200 villages. The top 11 out of these panchayats, essentially in districts of Nawanshahr, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib, were awarded cash incentives of Rs 3 lakh each.

The government’s stern hand too has made a difference. Dr Goyal said, “As per the report of the Center Supervisory Board, Punjab, had the maximum number of convictions—eight— under the PNDT Act. In 74 such cases, the decision is pending in the courts.”

Much of the credit to stamp out foeticide practice has been attributed to former Nawanshahr Deputy Commissioner Krishan Kumar. From a 24-hour helpline enabling villagers to call him up directly to record pregnancy of women, the administration showed the way.