Campaign against skewed child sex ratio from Aug 15

Taking note of the sharp decline in child sex ratio in rural areas, a campaign focused on villages will be launched Aug 15 that will bring up the issue for consideration in special gram sabhas, officials said Monday.

"BETI ZINDABAAD - a campaign for gender equality" is the brainchild of NGO ActionAid and partner organisations and will be launched in 15 states across the country.

"We're hopeful that the gram sabhas will respond to our appeal and resolve to ensure a violence free and gender just environment for India's women and girls," said Sandeep Chachra, executive director, ActionAid India.

"ActionAid and partners will be engaging with rural and urban local bodies from Aug 15 to Oct 2 on this issue," he added.

The NGO said that the decline in the number of girls in rural areas, from 934 in 2001 to 923 in 2011, was the reason behind their decision to step up efforts in villages to curb the menace.

ActionAid is also aiming to advance a nationwide debate on the urgent need for recognizing women and girls' rights as human rights in the country.