PM underlines need to improve sex ratio in the country

New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) Emphasising his government's
commitment to the welfare of women and children, Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh Monday underlined the need for
improving the sex ratio in the country.
"We have strived for reducing inequalities in the
country. In the last seven years, we have taken special care
of the needs of our brothers and sisters from the Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes, minorities, women and children,"
Singh said in his Independence Day address.
He noted the problems faced by women and children and
the efforts needed to solve them.
"The figures of Census 2011 show improvements in most
areas. But it is a matter of deep regret for us that the sex
ratio has shown a decline from the level of the last Census,"
Singh said.
He insisted that for improving this state of affairs,
it is not only necessary to implement the existing laws
effectively but also essential to change the approach with
which our society views girls and women.
"I would especially appeal to the state governments and
social service organisations to take steps for empowerment of
women and for improving their status in society," Singh said.
He also spoke about the problem of malnutrition.
"Malnutrition in our women and children is a matter of
concern for all of us. We have taken a number of steps to
tackle this problem, including two new schemes. We have also
decided that we will start implementing an improved Integrated
Child Development Services scheme within the next six months
so that the problem of malnutrition in children can be
effectively addressed," Singh said.
He maintained that his government will soon enact a
legislation for providing food security to the people.