Mehsana: Concerned over a persistently skewed sex ratio in parts of the district, the Mehsana district administration has launched a focused social awareness campaign aimed at improving the birth rate of girl children in villages where the imbalance is most severe.

While the health department has so far relied on strict monitoring of gynecologists and sting operations to curb female foeticide, the district has now shifted its approach to address the issue at the community level. The initiative targets villages where the female birth ratio has fallen below 800 girls per 1,000 boys.

According to officials, the overall sex ratio in Mehsana district is around 900 girls per 1,000 boys. However, in at least ten villages, the figure has dipped alarmingly, prompting the administration to declare them “red zone” areas and implement special corrective measures.

District Collector Shailesh Prajapati and District Health Officer Bharat Solanki recently convened a meeting with sarpanches from the affected villages and sought formal commitments from them to take the lead in improving the situation. Taluka health officers were also present during the meeting.

The villages identified with critically low sex ratios include Hardesan and Piludara (Mehsana taluka), Bamanva (Vijapur), Kada (Visnagar), Dodiwada (Becharaji), Chansol (Kheralu), Bhavanipura and Jaska (Unjha), Katosan (Jotana), Mathasur (Kadi), and Sudasana (Satlasana).

As part of the campaign, village sarpanches will work closely with religious leaders, social activists, and local representatives to raise awareness against gender bias. A key focus will be on counselling families, particularly expectant mothers and their mothers-in-law, who traditionally express a preference for male children.

“Real change will come only when women themselves understand that sons and daughters are equal,” officials said, expressing hope that community-driven efforts will bring long-term transformation.

The administration has also directed that awareness slogans promoting the value of the girl child be painted at gram panchayats and public places in the targeted villages. Meetings will be organized at the village level involving elected representatives, religious heads, and social leaders to plan further outreach.

Taluka Health Officer Dr Suhag Shrimali said this is the first time such a coordinated grassroots campaign has been rolled out in the district to address the issue socially rather than only through enforcement.

While officials report that many families have begun accepting the message of gender equality, the true impact of the initiative will become clear in the coming months through updated birth statistics. DeshGujarat