(a) whether disparities have been found in the birth-rate and death-rate of male and female child in the country;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the number of male and female children in the country as on January, 2001 separately; and
(d) steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to check the rise in death-rate of the female child?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) As per information brought out by the office of Registrar General of India for the year 1998, the Child Mortality Rate (0-4) years for female child is higher than that of male child (morality of female child is 25.6 against male child mortality of 22.2).
(b) According to the report of National Family Health Survey (1998-99), the mortality rate among female child is higher due to relative medical and nutritional negligence.
(c) The projected numbers of male and female children (0-4 years) as on 1st March, 2001 are 5.57 crores and 5.28 crores respectively.
(d) Under Reproductive and Child Health Programme, a number of interventions are being implemented to prevent the mortality of female child which include immunization against the vaccine preventable diseases, control of Vit. `A` deficiency, essential new born care, prevention of Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Control of Diarrhoea Diseases and Promotion of Breast Feeding and proper nutrition. Equipments for essential newborn care are being provided to selected PHCs, CHCs/FRUs and District hospitals. These interventions are provided irrespective of the gender of child.