Main Article Content

Abstract

Female infanticide in Tamil Nadu, South India, has recently received widespreadattention within India and abroad. The paper contains reflections based on over a decadeof fieldwork and study of this phenomenon, and information gathered from NG0s,activists and officials. It discusses the recent history of the practice of female infanticide,and the circumstances, which forced the state government in 1992 to acknowledge itsexistence. Activities to prevent female infanticide, such as the 'Girl Child ProtectionScheme' and coercive actions against those committing female infanticide, by the stategovernment and non-governmental organizations are critically reviewed. The unwantedness of girl children manifests itself not only in female infanticide, but also inselective abortion of female fetuses and neglect of girl children, leading to excess femalechild mortality. Prevention and eradication of female infanticide calls for sustained andlong-term efforts to ameliorate the subordinate status of women. Under thecircumstances, the tendency of several governments to deny, the phenomenon, remainsilent about it, or engage in interventions which stand little chance of succeeding, iscause for concern.

Article Details