State sex ratio improves to 906

A weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana was held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Sudhir Rajpal here today. The meeting focused on intensifying efforts to curb illegal abortions and further improve the state's sex ratio under the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign.

The meeting highlighted the recent success of government initiatives: Haryana’s sex ratio improved to 906 till June 23 this year, up from 902 in the corresponding period last year.

The Additional Chief Secretary mandated intensified enforcement against illegal abortions, with a clear directive for officials to pursue strict punitive action, including cancellation of licence for any doctors found complicit. He directed officials to intensify raids at ultrasound and MTP centres and increase registration drives, particularly in Charkhi Dadri district, where targeted interventions are required. The task force decided to chargesheet former CMO of Charkhi Dadri, Dr Rajvinder Malik, for persistent non-performance in duties related to sex ratio monitoring.

Further, the functioning of SAHELIs associated with pregnant women—especially those where incidents of abortions have been reported—will be closely monitored. The Additional Chief Secretary ordered strict surveillance of Community Health Centres (CHCs) and instructed that accountability be fixed on Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) in areas where illegal abortions are being reported. In a specific case, he directed the officiating SMO of CHC-Gopi, Bhiwani, Dr M Nehra, to be chargesheeted due to low sex ratio in his area.

The meeting was informed that during the past week (June 17 to June 23), 28 inspections were conducted across the state over the illegal sale of MTP kits in which one shop was sealed and two FIRs were lodged. The number of wholesalers selling MTP kits has been reduced from 32 to three within one and a half months in Haryana and the sale trend of MTP kits has seen a significant decline in 15 districts. The registration of an AYUSH doctor in Kharkhoda, Sonepat, was cancelled and an FIR was lodged against him over illegal abortion practices.

The officials were also instructed to identify SAHELIs who have played a key role in ensuring the successful delivery of girl children. Such SAHELIs will be incentivised by the respective CMOs as a means to recognise their efforts and encourage broader community participation.