J&K rewards for foeticide tipoff

Be a whistleblower and win Rs 50,000 for reporting female foeticide in Jammu and Kashmir.

The declining sex ratio has sent alarm bells ringing in the state government prompting it to enhance cash incentives for those who tip-off the authorities on female foeticide and sex determination tests in the state.

“The government has enhanced the reward for whistleblowers providing information about such activities. Earlier, the award was Rs 25,000 and now increased to Rs 50,000. This will be applicable with immediate effect,” said Sham Lal Sharma, J&K minister for health and family welfare.

Census 2011 has revealed an alarming decline in the sex ratio in the strife-torn state. Figures have put the sex ratio (females per 1000 males) in J&K at 883 down by nine points since 2001 census.

Leh district in Ladakh division has the lowest sex ratio in the country at 583. Even cities of Jammu and Srinagar have recorded low sex ratio of 871 and 878 in 2011.

“People have to come forward to collectively fight against female foeticide. The government can only make and enforce laws, but need of the hour is a change in the mindset of the people. ,” Sharma said.