The correct answer is: d) All of the above
Punjab is a state in India with a population of over 28 million people. It is one of the most prosperous states in India, but it also faces a number of social challenges.
One of the most pressing social challenges in Punjab is the gender gap in education. According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate for women in Punjab is 67.6%, which is lower than the national average of 74.04%. This gender gap is even more pronounced in rural areas, where the literacy rate for women is only 59.8%.
The gender gap in education has a number of negative consequences. It limits women’s opportunities for employment and economic advancement. It also contributes to the prevalence of female infanticide and skewed sex ratios.
Female infanticide is the practice of killing female babies at birth. It is a serious problem in Punjab, where the sex ratio at birth is 846 girls per 1000 boys. This is significantly lower than the national average of 940 girls per 1000 boys.
The skewed sex ratio is a result of a number of factors, including female infanticide, neglect of girl children, and the preference for sons. It has a number of negative consequences, including a shortage of women in the marriage market, an increase in the number of unmarried men, and an increase in the incidence of crime and violence.
The social challenges of gender inequality and skewed sex ratios are complex and interrelated. They require a multi-pronged approach to address. Some of the key interventions that need to be taken include:
- Investing in girls’ education
- Raising awareness about the problem of female infanticide
- Providing support to families with girl children
- Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment
These interventions will help to address the social challenges of gender inequality and skewed sex ratios in Punjab.