New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Monday expressed concern over the declining child sex ratio in the country, saying the trend has to be reversed.

"The unabated decline in child sex ratio since 1961 is a matter of grave concern. This trend has to be reversed," the president said while addressing a joint session of both houses of parliament on the opening day of the budget session.

He said that to ensure survival, protection and education of the girl child, the government has launched 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Abhiyaan', which seeks to change the mindsets to celebrate the girl child.

"A new small saving scheme 'Sukanya Samriddhi Account' has been notified for enabling the education of the girl child. A bill to amend Juvenile Justice Act has been introduced in parliament to reform the law relating to juvenile offences," he said.

The president said women have had "a place of reverence in our society" since time immemorial. "My government has taken several measures to empower and protect the dignity of women."

The president said that "to provide complete support to women affected by violence, 'One Stop Crisis Centres' are being set up in every state" to provide integrated services, including medical aid, police assistance, temporary shelter, and legal and psycho-social counselling.