Sirsa shows progress in sex ratio, ranks second in state

Sirsa district in Haryana has made significant strides in improving its sex ratio, with a rise from 925 in 2023 to 936 in 2024. This 11-point increase is a step forward from 929 in 2022, marking steady progress in gender balance. However, the district still faces serious challenges in some rural villages, where the sex ratio remains very low.

Dr Mahendra Singh Bhadu, CMO, Civil Hospital, Sirsa, said that Sirsa's progress was a result of strict monitoring and efforts to stop illegal practices like sex-selective abortions. He said the district Health Department had implemented awareness campaigns and provided incentives for families supporting the birth of girls. These actions had helped improve the district's position, which had dropped in previous years, he said. With continued efforts, Sirsa aimed to overcome its remaining challenges and achieve greater gender parity, Dr. Bhadu added.

He said 36 villages in Sirsa still had sex ratio below 800 in 2024. Villages like Aasa Khera, Lohgarh and Fagu, with populations over 3,000, continue to suffer from gender imbalance. Even the largest village, Masitan, with nearly 6,600 people, struggled to improve its sex ratio, he said. Many of these areas lack proper healthcare and education, making it harder to address the gender imbalance. Dr Bhadu said that despite this, efforts were underway to improve the situation.

Public Health Centres (PHCs) in areas like Ellenabad, Rania and Nathusari Chopta are focusing on raising awareness about gender equality and encouraging institutional deliveries. Meanwhile, Yamunanagar recorded the highest sex ratio in the state at 939, marking an 18-point increase, while Nuh secured the third position with a ratio of 926, just after Sirsa. In contrast, Charkhi Dadri recorded the lowest sex ratio at 869, a steep decline from 2023, and Rewari also saw a significant drop.