Haryana sees dip in gender ratio, Gurugram worst hit

In a major setback, the state witnessed an 11-point dip in the average sex ratio at birth (SRB) in the past 10 months (January to October) this year as compared to the previous year.

In 2023, sex ratio at birth as per the Civil Registration System was 916, which slipped to 905 at the end of October this year. As many as 11 districts recorded the SRB below the state average during this period. Yamunanagar topped the tally with registering the birth of 944 females against 1,000 males, followed by Sirsa with the SRB of 942, Fatehabad (940) and Karnal (934).

Gurugram recorded the lowest SRB (859), followed by Rewari (868), Charkhi Dadri (873) and Rohtak (880). A total of 4,19,213 children - 2,20,116 boys and 1,99,097 girls - were born till October this year.

Rewari recorded a considerable drop of 29 points and Rohtak three points as compared to the previous year. Last year, Rewari and Rohtak recorded the SRB of 897 and 883, respectively.

Dr Bhanwar Singh, Nodal Officer (PNDT), Rewari, said the exact reason behind the decline in the SRB would be ascertained after the analysis of all related aspects. Generally, patriarchal mindset and a sense of insecurity over girls were believed to be the main reasons behind gender imbalance.

“Moreover, a new trend of parents with single male child has been witnessed. It is also one of the reasons behind dismal gender ratio. Bringing a change in mentality of people towards girl child is necessary to improve the gender ratio. Various steps have been taken in this regard,” he said.

The nodal officer said: “Besides carrying out awareness campaigns in sensitive villages and regular inspection of ultrasound and MTP centres, we also ran a signature campaign, organised a marathon and held a function to felicitate parents having only two or more daughters so as to spread a message in society that girls are not lagging behind boys in any field.”

Ramesh Chander, Civil Surgeon, Rohtak, said: “We are making all

efforts to improve the SRB. Stress is being laid on early registration of expectant women and close monitoring of every activity”.

SRB below state average in 11 dists

In 2023, sex ratio at birth (SRB) was 916, which slipped to 905 at the end of October this year. As many as 11 districts recorded SRB below the state average during this period. Yamunanagar topped the tally, registering the birth of 944 females against 1,000 males, followed by Sirsa with SRB of 942, Fatehabad (940) and Karnal (934).