You have recently been posted as a District Development Officer in a traditionally rural area that has seen rapid economic development in the past few years. You notice that there is a huge disparity between the number of male and female children in the area. When you go to the hospital and check the birth registry, you realise that registered new-born babies are mostly males. On further investigation, you notice a similar pattern in the village primary school, which has more male students than females. When you raise the issue with your colleagues, they ignore it and carry on with their work. You suspect that the practice of female foeticide may be entrenched in the area as you had read about the issue in the context of this state while studying for the Civil Services Examination. It seems to you that respected members of the community like doctors, politicians and government officials have chosen to ignore the issue, given the prevalence of patriarchy and mind-set of voters in the area. Thus, despite rapid economic development, preference for male child continues to persist. Based on the information above, answer the following: (a) Do you have any ethical duty in this scenario? Justify your views. (b) What would be your next steps and why?

My ethical duty in this scenario Yes, definitely it's my duty first as a responsible citizen whose fundamental duty is to prevent any practices derogatory to women under Article 51-A and as the District Development Officer.

As DDO of the area, as it might lead to ripple effects on the society. I am obligated as → Low child sex ratio leads to missing women, lesser number of brides for men in future leading to human trafficking (as per UNFPA's report Against my will) → Femal foeticide is an unhumane practice which goes against the fundamental right of gender equality and prevention of gender based discrimination - Article 15 → Patriarchal mindset behind it curbs freedom of other woman by restructing their mobility and decision making power

→ Unhealthy for the pregnant woman who undergo unsafe abortions → Against the law of land as Pre-natal sex selective abortions are banned under PCNDT Act, 1993

(b) My next steps would be on following lines:

1. I will immediately write a letter to my senior officials to hold a detailed inquiry on the issue.

2. Meanwhile - I would a) Mobilise NGOs, civil society groups to run campaigns against female foeticide such as Beti bachao, Beti Padhao, Selfie with daughter.

(d) → Sensitize media to highlight the issue which will lead politicians to pay more attention

1. Action against illegal practices by doctor as despite economic development, the practice continues which suggests the use of ultrasound machines

2. Gender based sensitization programmes in school such as Gender Champions scheme

3. Generating awareness among women to make raise voice against the practice.