Karnal district gets award for improvement in sex ratio
The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” campaign, launched by the Prime Minister on January 22, 2015, is showing its impact across the state by improving the sex ratio. Karnal district also achieved an improvement of 40 points in sex ratio in the past one decade as its sex ratio reached 926 in 2024 from 886 in 2014. In 2024, Karnal district witnessed an improvement of 18 points to reach a sex ratio of 926, compared to 908 in 2023, placing it fourth in the state rankings.
Recognising the achievement, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini honoured the district. On the behalf of the district administration, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Yash Jaluka and District Programme Officer of the Women and Child Development Department, Seema Prasad, were honoured by the CM with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh and a certificate at a state-level Mahila Sammaan Sammelan in Panchkula on International Women Day on Saturday.
The data reveals a steady rise in the number of girls born until 2018 from 2014, with the sex ratio reaching 934. It had witnessed a sex ratio of 897 in 2015, 909 in 2016, 922 in 2017. However, a decline was observed in subsequent years, reaching 908 in 2019 and further 900 in 2020. The district recorded a trend of rise in 2021 with a sex ratio of 912, though it faced another dip to 903 in 2022. Encouragingly, the trend reversed in the last two years, with the sex ratio climbing to 908 in 2023 and reaching 926 in 2024.
To combat female foeticide and enhance gender balance, the Women and Child Development Department has been actively implementing government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Aapki Beti, Hamari Beti, ensuring benefits for women. Strict monitoring under the PCPNDT Act has also played a crucial role in preventing gender-based discrimination. Additionally, awareness programmes under the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao have been consistently conducted to promote equality between sons and daughters.
ADC Jaluka appreciated the efforts of the employees and officials of the Women and Child Development Department under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh. "It is a proud moment for all of us that our district has received an award for improvement in sex ratio," said the ADC.
During the state-level event in Panchkula, CM Nayab Singh Saini also honoured 81-year-old Shanta Ranga from Karnal for her outstanding contributions to women empowerment. She was awarded the prestigious Sushma Swaraj Award, along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a certificate.
