Sirsa 2nd in state in sex ratio, 945 girls born per 1,000 boys

From January to September 2024, Sirsa district achieved a notable sex ratio of 945 females for every 1,000 males, securing the second position in the state alongside Karnal district.

In contrast, Yamunanagar district led with a ratio of 947 girls per 1,000 boys born, highlighting significant variations in gender balance across the regions.

In 2022, Sirsa fell to the eighth rank, but due to continuous efforts by the health authorities and strict monitoring of illegal practices like sex-selective abortions, the district has now moved up to the second place. The district administration and health department have worked tirelessly to curb such practices, resulting in this positive change.

In 2015 and 2016, Sirsa had maintained a consistent top position in Haryana for the highest female birth ratio. However, between 2019 and 2022, a decline was observed, with the district slipping from first to lower positions. After improvements in 2023, Sirsa managed to regain its position among the top-performing districts by September 2024.

The PNDT cell in-charge Dr Bharat Bhushan Mittal said several measures had contributed to this progress. He said the government had implemented strict surveillance and action against gangs involved in illegal pre-natal gender testing.

The authorities have also been providing incentives to families to support the birth of girls. A cash reward of Rs 21,000 is given to families for the birth of a girl child under various state schemes, he added.

Dr Bhushan said, in addition, awareness campaigns focusing on educating people about the importance of gender equality had also played a crucial role in improving the birth ratio in Sirsa. Regular Health Department inspections and community-level programmes had ensured that illegal activities like pre-natal gender testing were kept in check, Dr Bhushan added.

The positive trend in Sirsa’s sex ratio reflects the success of ongoing efforts to balance the gender disparity in Haryana, which has historically been among the states with low female birth ratios.

Ranked 8th in 2022

• In 2015 and 2016, Sirsa had maintained a consistent top position in Haryana for the highest female birth ratio.
• In 2022, Sirsa fell to the eighth rank, but due to continuous efforts by the health authorities and strict monitoring of illegal practices like sex-selective abortions, the district has now moved up to the second place