New Delhi: The provisional census data for 2011 shows that Gurgaon has a literacy rate of 84 per cent and a sex ratio of 826 while some rural areas have a literacy rate of 56 per cent but a sex ratio of 906.
The census figures of the last 2 decades show that in most areas where the literacy level is high, the sex ratio is invariably low and and vice-versa.
And this is not restricted to just Haryana.
Professor Vijayalakshmi Chauhan, member, Rajasthan State Women's Commission said, "The latest data that comes from 2011 census shows that the sex ratio in 0-6 yrs is down. But its not down in tribal and illiterate areas because they don't have much knowledge. But when literacy is more, knowledge is more."
Demographers say its a trend that is likely to continue.
Ashish Bose, demographer said, "It is a worsening trend. Unless the rural areas have proper infrastructure, roads, easy access to hospitals, doctors this trend will continue."
South Delhi is not only known for its high-rises and big money, but also for having one of the worst sex ratios in the country. According to the 2001 census, south Delhi's sex ratio was just 762. Ironical, but as the figures themselves suggest - literacy could well be killing India's unborn girl child.