In 2024, Haryana witnessed a concerning drop in its sex ratio at birth, reaching an eight-year low of 910 girls for every 1,000 boys.

Description

In 2024, Haryana witnessed a concerning drop in its sex ratio at birth, reaching an eight-year low of 910 girls for every 1,000 boys. While government officials downplayed this as a minor fluctuation, the decline has raised alarms among activists and civil society groups. The sex ratio is a vital metric for assessing gender equality and reflects the broader societal status of women. Nationally, the sex ratio at birth in India was recorded at 929, according to the National Health and Family Survey-5 (NFHS-5) published in 2021.

Understanding Sex Ratio

The sex ratio at birth refers to the number of female births for every 1,000 male births. A balanced sex ratio is crucial for ensuring gender equality and maintaining societal health. In Haryana, fluctuations in this ratio over the past decade underscore ongoing challenges in addressing gender bias.

Historical Context

In 2014, Haryana's sex ratio at birth was alarmingly low at 871, prompting protests and spurring both government and civil society efforts to address the issue. In response, the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, focused on combating female foeticide and promoting the welfare of girls.

Recent Developments

In 2024, Haryana reported a total of 270,354 boys and 246,048 girls born, resulting in a sex ratio of 910. This marks a decline from 916 in 2023 and a troubling shift after a peak of 923 in 2019. Despite recent gains, this decline in the sex ratio is concerning, particularly given the state’s prior successes in improving gender balance.

Factors Contributing To Decline

The initial improvements in Haryana's sex ratio were attributed to the rigorous implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PNDT Act) of 1994 and awareness-raising campaigns. However, activists argue that enforcement has weakened in recent times, leading to a resurgence of sex determination practices and selective abortions.

Shifting Social Attitudes

Cultural preferences for male children continue to pose significant challenges. Many families still regard daughters as financial burdens, which fuels the continued preference for sons. Activists like Sunil Jaglan have observed a new trend where families, facing economic pressures such as rising inflation and shrinking landholdings, are opting for "only one boy."

Government Measures

State officials claim progress in addressing the issue, noting that more than 4,000 arrests have been made under the PNDT Act over the past decade. Additionally, the government has introduced financial incentives for families with daughters and worked to improve educational opportunities for girls. These efforts are aimed at changing societal perceptions and encouraging greater support for the girl child.

Role Of Civil Society

Activists and organizations have played a crucial role in promoting gender equality. By challenging entrenched societal attitudes and holding authorities accountable for enforcing laws protecting women's rights, they continue to push for more progress in combating gender bias and improving the sex ratio.

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