Haryana sees 39-point rise in sex ratio at birth over a decade
Haryana has intensified its campaign to combat female foeticide and ensure strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. Since 2014, the state has registered 1,217 FIRs under the Act, including 397 through interstate raids. These actions have resulted in over 4,000 arrests, targeting doctors, quacks and touts involved in illegal sex determination and female foeticide.
Statistics at a glance
FIRs lodged under PCPNDT Act: 1,217 (397 interstate raids)
Arrests made: Over 4,000
Sex ratio at birth: Improved from 871 (2014) to 910 (2024)
Institutional deliveries: Increased from 35.7% (2005-06) to 94.9%
Families benefiting from girl child schemes: 5,23,056
Savings accounts opened under Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme: 8,23,522
Participants in “Mahri Lado” radio programme: 1,60,000
An official spokesperson said Haryana has exceeded its target for improving the sex ratio at birth, achieving an increase of two points annually. “From a sex ratio of 871 in 2014, the state has improved by 39 points, reaching 910 in 2024. This progress highlights Haryana’s commitment and the success of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson further highlighted Haryana’s focus on maternal healthcare. Institutional deliveries rose from 35.7% in 2005-06 to an impressive 94.9%. In addition, secondary education enrolment has increased significantly, reaching 4,00,736 in 2023-24, compared to 3,85,624 in 2015-16.
Haryana has introduced several initiatives to promote gender equality. Over 5,23,056 families have benefited from a one-time payment of Rs 21,000 for the birth of a girl child. The Poshan Abhiyan, launched in 2018, has targeted anaemia and improved nutrition among adolescent girls, pregnant women and children, benefiting 2,24,136 participants through Anganwadi centres.
The Adolescent Girls Scheme, focusing on girls aged 14-18 in Mewat, has supported 13,439 beneficiaries in 2024-25 with self-development, skill-building and access to health services. Additionally, the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme has facilitated the opening of 8,23,522 savings accounts for daughters under 10 years of age.
Financial support has also been provided to survivors of the POCSO Act, with Rs 1.31 crore disbursed across 778 cases by October 2024.
In 2024, Haryana launched the “Mahri Lado” radio programme on All India Radio to reshape societal attitudes towards girls. “This programme has engaged over 1,60,000 participants and covers key topics like health, nutrition, financial independence and leadership,” the spokesperson added.
