Tamil Nadu Timeline

WelfareDMK-AIADMK alternation

Cradle Baby Scheme launched against female infanticide

· Salem

The Jayalalithaa government introduced the Cradle Baby Scheme, allowing parents to leave unwanted infant girls with the state anonymously.

In 1992 the Tamil Nadu government introduced the Cradle Baby Scheme in response to reports of female infanticide, particularly in Salem and Madurai districts. Cradles were placed at government centres where parents could leave unwanted baby girls anonymously, and the children were placed for care and adoption. The scheme drew attention, including from Mother Teresa, and was later expanded to more districts. It was part of a broader set of measures aimed at the state's skewed child sex ratio.

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  2. 1989

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  3. 1992

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  4. 1997

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