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.
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 during the year 2011.
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.