17 villages in Rohtak record sex ratio below 600

Alarmingly low sex ratios have been recorded in 17 villages of Rohtak district in 2024, prompting health authorities to intensify efforts to address the issue. Official data revealed that 10 of these villages registered a sex ratio of 500 or below, with 53 villages recording a ratio below 800.

Shockingly, Singhpura Khurd reported the lowest sex ratio at 200, while Ganganagar, Gugaheri and Bedwa recorded 333.33. Other villages such as Garhi (388.89), Kharak Jatan (464.29) and Gaddi Kheri (481.48) also reported grim figures.

Gender ratio in troubled villages (2024)

Singhpura Khurd: 200

Ganganagar, Gugaheri, Bedwa: 333.33

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Garhi: 388.89

Kharak Jatan: 464.29

Gaddi Kheri: 481.48

“This is a matter of grave concern and we are taking all possible steps to reverse the trend,” said Dr Ramesh Chander, Civil Surgeon, Rohtak. “We have launched an intensive drive to dismantle illegal sex-determination networks, with special focus on villages showing low sex ratios. Registration of all pregnant women at an early stage is being ensured to track their progress and Panchayati Raj Institutions are being roped in for this effort.”

The role of midwives and health workers, including auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), anganwadi workers and accredited social health activists (ASHAs), is under scrutiny. “We are gathering information from the grassroots level and strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in sex-determination rackets,” warned Dr Vishvjeet Rathee, Nodal Officer (PC and PNDT), Rohtak.

Dr Rathee also disclosed that in less than two months, the district team conducted three major raids under the PC and PNDT Act, MTP Act and Drugs and Cosmetics Act. These raids unearthed two interstate sex-determination rackets, leading to the arrest of touts, doctors, a chemist and a supplier, with FIRs registered against them.

Despite the troubling figures, officials highlight progress since the launch of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The sex ratio in Rohtak has improved from 859 in 2015 to 888 in 2024, reflecting a 29-point increase,” officials said.