Paper: GS – I/II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Population and Associated Issues, Issue: Haryana’s Improved Sex Ratio.
Context:
Haryana’s transformation from a dismal Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) of 834 girls per 1,000 boys (2011 Census) to 923 in 2025 nearing India’s 933 average marks a public health success amid gender bias.
Key Takeaways:
- Launched as PM Modi’s “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) flagship in Panipat (2015), it saved ~65,000 girls from foeticide via strict PC-PNDT Act enforcement, inter-state raids, and multi-departmental monitoring. Weekly reviews and tech like RCHID IDs curbed ultrasound misuse, boosting districts like Panchkula (971).
Key Drivers of Change:
The turnaround is attributed to a multi-pronged, decade-long campaign involving law enforcement and healthcare monitoring.
- Strict Legal Enforcement: Between 2015 and 2025, 1,375 FIRs were registered against medical practitioners and ultrasound centre owners for violating the PNDT (Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) and MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Acts.
- Inter-State Raids: Since residents often travel to neighboring states for illegal sex determination, Haryana conducted 218 inter-state raids in 2025 alone (primarily in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan).
- Technological Monitoring: Use of WhatsApp groups for medical officers, regular inspections of ultrasound centers, and the introduction of the RCHID (Reproductive and Child Health Identity) system to track pregnancies.
- Special IDs: Providing special IDs to pregnant women to monitor their health and ensure the pregnancy reaches full term.
Geographical Performance:
There is a notable disparity between different districts in Haryana:
- Top Performing Districts: Panchkula (971), Fatehabad (961), and Panipat (951).
- Lagging Urban Hubs: Despite high enforcement, major hubs like Faridabad (916), Sonipat (894), and Gurugram (901) remain below the state average.
Implications for Policy: Sustained action proves deterrence works against son preference, but urban-rural gaps persist. Models scalable nationally for SDG-5 (Gender Equality).
Challenges & Obstacles:
- Information Leaks: Raiding teams often face “leaks” regarding their movements, making it difficult to catch offenders in the act.
- The “Border” Issue: Illegal clinics in neighboring states continue to provide an outlet for those seeking sex-selective abortions, requiring constant inter-state cooperation.
- The 2024 Dip: The article notes that progress isn’t always linear, as seen by the sudden drop to 910 in 2024, which necessitated a renewed “concerted action.”
Haryana’s rise to a 923-sex ratio reflects the success of aggressive law enforcement, inter-state raids, and digital monitoring, proving that sustained administrative intervention can effectively combat deep-seated social biases.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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