Delhi's sex ratio has continued its downward trend, reaching 920 females per 1,000 males in 2024. This marks the fourth consecutive year of decline, raising concerns among health experts and government officials. The figures, recently released in an annual report by Delhi's Directorate of Economics and Statistics and the Office of Chief Registrar (Births & Deaths), indicate a concerning demographic shift in the capital.

The consistent decrease in the sex ratio, from 933 in 2020, 932 in 2021, and 929 in 2022 to 922 in 2023 and now 920 in 2024, has sparked worries about the potential rise in illegal prenatal sex determination practices within Delhi-NCR. Health experts are advocating for stricter enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to curb these practices. This act aims to prevent sex selection before or after conception and regulate prenatal diagnostic techniques.

A senior Delhi government health official pointed out that the decline could be attributed to less frequent inspections by district authorities, leading to fewer show-cause notices and suspensions of registrations of medical facilities. This has weakened the deterrent system against illegal sex determination practices. Additionally, the official noted the rapid increase in illegal labs offering Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) and karyotyping through home collection services, with reports delivered directly to patients.

Historically, Delhi has seen fluctuations in its sex ratio. In 2005, the ratio was at 822 females per 1,000 males but significantly improved to 1,004 in 2008, possibly due to the implementation of the "Ladli" scheme. However, the ratio has been declining since 2020, after a brief rise.

Adding to the demographic concerns, Delhi has also experienced a decline in the number of registered births, from 315,087 in 2023 to 306,459 in 2024. The average daily birth count has also decreased from 863 to 837. Simultaneously, the death rate has increased to 6.37 per thousand population in 2024, compared to 6.16 in the previous year.

The current sex ratio in Delhi is below the national average of 940 females per 1,000 males. According to international standards, a sex ratio of around 105 males per 100 females is considered acceptable. The persistent decline in Delhi's sex ratio suggests a deeply rooted preference for male children, potentially leading to sex-selective abortions. This skewed ratio can have long-term societal consequences, including demographic imbalances and increased gender-based violence and discrimination.

While the sex ratio has decreased, other health indicators have shown mixed results. The infant mortality rate decreased from 23.61 per thousand live births in 2023 to 22.40 in 2024. The maternal mortality rate also saw a slight decrease from 0.45 in 2023 to 0.44 in 2024.

The government needs to address the root causes of the declining sex ratio and ensure the effective implementation of existing laws. Continuous monitoring, strict enforcement, and public awareness campaigns are essential to reverse this concerning trend and promote gender equality in the nation's capital.