- To eradicate female infanticide and to save the girl Children from the clutches of death, “Cradle Baby Scheme” was first introduced in Salem District during 1992.
- In the year 2001, the scheme was extended to the districts of Madurai, Theni, Dindigul and Dharmapuri, where the practice of female infanticide was in existence.
- This unique scheme has so far saved 5011 (Male – 959, Female – 4052) children from the clutches of death.
- The 2011 census projected an alarming decrease in the child sex ratio in the districts of Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Perambulur, Villupuram and Thiruvannamalai for which various socio economic reasons are attributed.
- Taking cognizance of this and to set right this negative trend, Cradle baby Scheme was extended to these districts also.
- Children rescued under the Cradle Baby Scheme have been rehabilitated with an alternate family under adoption programmes.
- The innovative Cradle Baby Scheme has won accolades in India as well as from other countries.
- The positive effect of the Cradle Baby Scheme in Tamil Nadu, the child sex ratio which was 942/1000 in 2001 has risen to 943/1000 in 2011.
- Since this scheme mainly focuses on education of girl children, the rate of girl child literacy which was 64.55% in 2001, has attained exponential growth of 73.44% in 2011.
