2,39,000 GIRLS OF LESS THAN 5 YEARS DIE EVERY YEAR IN INDIA, SAYS STUDY

According to an Austria-based study, it has been found that 2,39,000 girls of less than five years die every year in India due to gender discrimination. The study by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria, however, is not inclusive of female foeticides rates.

Christophe Guilmoto, the study's co-author reportedly said, "Gender-based discrimination towards girls doesn’t simply prevent them from being born, it may also precipitate the death of those who are born. Gender equity is not only about rights to education, employment or political representation, it is also about care, vaccination, and nutrition of girls, and ultimately survival.”

Reportedly, two-thirds of the deaths take place in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.