Context:

• In 2024, Haryana faced a significant setback in its long-standing efforts to improve the sex ratio at birth, which plummeted to 910 girls per 1,000 boys—the lowest level since 2016.

Key Points:

• This decline is particularly alarming given the state's historical trajectory and the various initiatives implemented to combat gender imbalance.
• In 2024, Haryana recorded a total of 516,402 births, comprising 270,354 boys (52.35%) and 246,048 girls (47.64%). This represents a notable decline from the state's peak sex ratio of 923 in 2019 and marks a six-point drop from 916 in 2023. The figures underscore the persistent challenges the state faces in addressing gender bias and promoting a more equitable society.

Historical context

The sex ratio in Haryana has seen a long-term trajectory of improvement, albeit with significant fluctuations:

• 2014: The sex ratio was an abysmal 871 girls per 1,000 boys.
• 2016: The ratio improved to 900, reflecting the initial impact of government interventions.
• 2019: The state achieved a peak sex ratio of 923, indicating a positive trend.
• 2024: The ratio declined to 910, raising concerns about the sustainability of previous gains.

This historical context highlights the volatility of the sex ratio in Haryana and the need for continuous efforts to address the underlying issues.

Government initiatives

The Haryana government has implemented several strategies to address the gender imbalance, including:

1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign: Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2015, this campaign aims to promote the value of the girl child and combat gender discrimination.
2. Financial support:
   • A one-time payment of Rs 21,000 at the birth of a girl child to encourage families to value daughters.
   • The Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, which facilitates the opening of savings accounts for girls, promoting their financial security and education.
3. Legal enforcement: The strict implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act has been crucial in curbing illegal sex determination practices.

Underlying challenges

• Despite these efforts, the skewed sex ratio is fundamentally linked to deep-rooted social attitudes that continue to view girl children as a burden. The persistence of these mindsets poses a significant challenge to the effectiveness of government initiatives.