Assertion [A]: If there was no discrimination, the number of girls should be higher or as much as boys.

Reason [R]: Medical research shows that given similar circumstances, girl children survive much better than boys.

The correct option is C [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct justification for [A].
The number of females in India has consistently been lower than that of men. The ‘sex ratio’ is a cause of concern since it indicates a hidden form of discrimination.

• Women and girls, in particular face unequal opportunities for education and development.
• Women are also discriminated against for the most basic needs like nutrition, child care and health.
• According to the latest census survey, in India, 103 female babies are born against 100 male babies. However, more female babies die than male babies. The census shows that in the age group 0-5, the number of girls who survive is much lower than boys. This can only happen if there is some discrimination in their care and nutrition because otherwise, the physical chance of survival is better for girls as per medical research.