Haryana's Sex Ratio Crisis: Mid-Year Data Shows Steep Decline

Haryana is facing a concerning decline in its sex ratio at birth, with 11 out of 22 districts recording fewer than 900 girls per 1,000 boys as of June 2026. This marks a significant drop from the previous year's cumulative figures, bringing the state's overall sex ratio down to 900. Notably, Charkhi Dadri district experienced the sharpest fall, with its sex ratio plummeting by 84 points.

Despite the widespread decline, five districts—Palwal, Sonepat, Rewari, Faridabad, and Karnal—have shown improvement. Officials attribute this success to early birth registrations, constant monitoring of pregnant women to prevent gender determination tests, and targeted awareness campaigns. These proactive measures are crucial in addressing the deep-rooted societal preference for male births.

Health officials acknowledge the disturbing mid-year trends but remain cautiously optimistic, citing historical data where the sex ratio improved in the latter half of the year. However, some express concern over a perceived lack of focus on 'save the girl child' programs this year compared to previous efforts. The challenge remains societal mindset and boy preference, requiring sustained enforcement and awareness drives.