Kolkata: The gap between male and female child mortality rates has reduced considerably in Bengal, propelling the state to the list of the best five states in terms of this key developmental index.
The latest Sample Registration Survey (SRS 2016) has found 28 deaths per 1,000 among girl children in the 0-4 age group, and 27 among boys.
This is a huge improvement: the 2011 figure was 40 and 37 respectively.
The narrowing-down of the gap is a boost to the larger goal of gender equality. This is very good not only in terms of social consciousness, but also in terms of preparing a gender-equal strong workforce.