Assessing Haryana's Declining Sex Ratio: Insights and Solutions

Haryana's Sex Ratio at Birth in 2024: A Critical Overview

In 2024, Haryana reported a troubling sex ratio of 910 girls for every 1,000 boys, marking the lowest figure in the last eight years. This decline from 916 in 2023 raises significant concerns regarding gender equality and societal attitudes towards girl children.

Importance of the Sex Ratio

The sex ratio serves as a vital indicator of gender equality within a society. A low ratio is indicative of ongoing gender biases, widespread female foeticide, and discrimination against young girls. These issues reflect deeper societal problems that require immediate attention.

Historical Changes in Haryana's Sex Ratio

• 2012: 832 girls per 1,000 boys
• 2019: Peaked at 923
• 2024: Declined to 910

Causes for the Decline

• Widespread illegal gender determination tests, particularly among affluent families who travel to other states.
• A societal preference for male children persists, influencing decisions on childbirth.
• Inadequate enforcement of laws, such as the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, hinders progress.

District-Specific Data Insights

Several districts in Haryana have alarming sex ratios:

• Charkhi Dadri: 859
• Gurugram: 899
• Faridabad: 899

Interestingly, Nuh, once recognized for its positive trends, has also experienced a decline.

Efforts to Address the Declining Ratio

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to improve the sex ratio and promote gender equality. Between 2015 and 2020, Haryana improved its sex ratio by 39 points.
• PCPNDT Act Enforcement: Over 1,200 FIRs were filed, with significant interstate raids leading to 4,000 arrests related to illegal gender testing and female foeticide.

Challenges in Enforcement

Despite these efforts, there has been a noticeable decline in FIRs under the PCPNDT and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Acts, decreasing from 142 in 2021 to 85 in 2023. This suggests a reduction in strict enforcement measures.

Comparative Analysis with Other States

While Haryana has made some progress, it continues to report the lowest sex ratio in India. This highlights that deeper societal issues remain unaddressed compared to neighboring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Steps Toward Improvement

• Strengthening monitoring of illegal practices and enforcing stricter penalties.
• Enhancing awareness about gender equality through comprehensive education programs.
• Establishing an independent monitoring cell to ensure sustained efforts and accountability.

Broader Implications of a Declining Sex Ratio

A skewed sex ratio can lead to long-term societal challenges, including increased gender-based violence, human trafficking, and diminished female participation in socio-economic development. Addressing these issues is vital for a balanced and equitable society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Haryana’s sex ratio at birth in 2024?
Answer: Haryana's sex ratio at birth in 2024 is reported at 910 girls per 1,000 boys, which is the lowest in the past eight years.

Q2. Why is a declining sex ratio a concern?
Answer: A declining sex ratio indicates ongoing gender bias, female foeticide, and societal discrimination against girls, which threaten gender equality.

Q3. What are the major causes of the declining sex ratio in Haryana?
Answer: Key causes include illegal gender determination tests, societal preference for sons, and insufficient enforcement of existing laws like the PCPNDT Act.

Q4. What efforts have been made to improve Haryana’s sex ratio?
Answer: Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and enforcement of the PCPNDT Act have been implemented, resulting in some improvements in the sex ratio.

Q5. How does Haryana's sex ratio compare to other states?
Answer: Haryana consistently records the lowest sex ratio in India, facing deeper societal issues compared to neighboring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What was Haryana's sex ratio at birth in 2024?
A) 900 girls per 1,000 boys
B) 910 girls per 1,000 boys
C) 923 girls per 1,000 boys
D) 832 girls per 1,000 boys
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What initiative was launched to improve gender equality in Haryana?
A) Beti Padhao Beti Bachao
B) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
C) Digital India
D) Make in India
Correct Answer: A