Another interesting factor, he adds is that since girls are brought up in such an environment that they want to have a son, who will look after them during their old age. A member of Shilpakendra (a non-profit organisation working for old women), Nipa Banerjee pointed out the economical factor that might give rise to such kind of thoughts in women.

"When a son is born, we normally think that economically we will gain on his marriage, which is not the case at the time of daughter's marriage. This economical factor plays a major role and many would wish for a son," Banerjee said. She, however, pointed towards a phenomenon where people wish for having daughters instead of sons. "I have witnessed people with sons wishing for a girl child during their old age, especially due to the misbehavior of their sons and their daughters-in-law.”

When asked if insecurity due to rape and sexual harassment was any reason, Verma said: "Rapes are side effects of the bigger picture: the inequality of the sex ratio between males and females. Moreover, media also has a major role as, previously such kind of cases used to go unnoticed but now they are reported."

Is there a way to change the mindset of people, especially women, Puja Trisal, General Manager at Smile Foundation said: “The change is only possible if education of women is given priority. Educated women are less likely to prefer sons over daughters. Also, sensitization of the community including women needs to be taken up emphasizing that women have equal potential provided they are given opportunities to realize their potential.”