Vanniyar and Kongu Vellala Gounder communities are involved in in foeticide and infanticide
Vanniyar and Kongu Vellala Gounder communities of Salem district are involved in foeticide and infanticide case
Coimbatore: Compared to other communities, families of the Vanniyar and Kongu Vellala Gounder communities of Salem district have been found to be indulging in foeticide and infanticide in many cases. A recent study published by the Indian Sociological Society points out that the practice of female infanticide is substituted by female foeticide, particularly among the Gounders and Vanniyars.
Authors of the paper ‘Disappearing of daughters and intensification of gender bias: Evidence from two villages in South India’, T.V. Sekher and Neelambar Hatti, have recorded that the widespread use of sex-selection techniques has provided an opportunity for couples to choose a son rather than a daughter.
“Medical technology has come in handy for many to achieve the desired sex-composition and the desired family size. Female foetuses are increasingly being ‘victimised’ on the basis of their sex alone, even among affluent communities,” they said.
After interaction with the families, the researchers found that dowry was the major reason for not having daughters. “Even affluent families who can ‘afford’ daughters and can provide them with good education are sceptical because the higher the education of the girls, the higher the dowry,” they said.
Admitting that several Gounder families have killed girl children and opted for sons, president of Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam E.R. Eswaran said, “There is a huge shortage of brides in the Gounder community. Some men remain bachelors till they turn 40 years. Many men choose to marry women from other castes and even from other states like Kerala.” He said his forum conducts awareness programmes against sex selective abortions and informs members about the importance of the male-female sex ratio.
Reacting to the study report, PMK leader G.K. Mani said his partymen were asked to take an oath not to demand dowry. “The difference in the male-female sex ratio is an indicator of the practice of female infanticide and foeticide. We tell our party cadres to treat both male and female children with equal love, affection and give equal opportunities for them to study and prosper in life,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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