Haryana's efforts to improve its sex ratio at birth (SRB) are showing promising signs, with the state recording its first gain since 2019. The SRB, which is the number of girls born per 1,000 boys, has long been a concern in Haryana, a state infamous for female foeticide.
Recent data indicates that between January 1 and November 10, 2025, the SRB in Haryana has improved to 912, up from 904 during the same period last year. This increase is a welcome development after the state saw its SRB drop to 910 in 2024, the lowest it had been in eight years. In fact, after peaking at 923 in 2019, the SRB in Haryana experienced a concerning decline. The dip to 910 in 2024 from 916 in 2023, had triggered alarms, especially considering the progress made under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
The state's Health and Women and Child Development departments have been credited with the recent improvement, attributing it to sustained efforts. These efforts include stricter action against illegal abortions, including potential cancellation of licenses for doctors found in violation. Dr. Virender Yadav, Director of Health Services, has emphasized the importance of these measures. Furthermore, show-cause notices have been issued to officials in districts with poor SRB performance, and special drives are being conducted to register unregistered female children under one year old, particularly in districts with falling ratios.
While the overall SRB has improved, the situation varies across districts. While five districts in Haryana recorded gains, three saw a decline in the number of girls per 1,000 boys at birth. Behind this improvement are 16 of the State's 22 districts which have recorded improvements compared to the same period last year, with some showing remarkable gains.
Haryana's SRB journey has been a rollercoaster. In 2012, the SRB was a dismal 832, climbing to 876 in 2015 and reaching 923 in 2019. The annual gender ratio was recorded 922 in 2020, 914 in 2021, and 917 in 2022. The recent rise to 912 indicates a potential turnaround, and health officials are optimistic that if the trend continues, the state's SRB for the entire year could reach around 920.
It's important to note that Haryana still has a long way to go to reach the ideal sex ratio of 950 recommended by the World Health Organization. The state has not been able to achieve this figure till date.
The fluctuating SRB in Haryana highlights the persistent challenges in changing societal attitudes and effectively enforcing laws against female foeticide. While initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have had a positive impact, continuous vigilance and proactive measures are essential to ensure the long-term well-being and equality of girls in Haryana.
