Highest in 2024, Himachal sex ratio at birth touches 964

Himachal has logged its highest sex ratio at birth (SRB) in 2024 over the past 30 years. As per the data from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the SRB touched 964 last year, up from 947 in 2023. Until now, the highest SRB in the state was recorded in 2021 at 949 since 1993.

“It’s the result of combined efforts of various departments and various schemes like Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao, Shagun Yojana, etc,” said Dr Parkash Chand Daroch, Director, Health Services. As per the Health Management Information System (HMIS) report 2021-22, the average national SRB was 934.

As per the data, the state had recorded the lowest SRB in 2001 when it had slipped down to 856. Thereafter, the SRB has seen a gradual improvement, barring a few slips in some years. Since 2015 onwards, when the birth and death registration was made online, there has been a steady improvement in the SRB, barring a minor dip in 2019 and 2022.

Out of the total 12 districts in the state, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and Kullu have registered birth of more girls than boys in 2024. Even Chamba has seen a jump in the SRB from 956 to 980. “In Chamba, much of the area is backward and tribal, where there are no ultrasound facilities. So, the problem of medical termination of pregnancy isn’t common,” said a health official from Chamba.

While the SRB has improved in most districts, Una district has recorded the sex ratio at 918, the lowest in the state. It has come down from 934 in 2023 to 918 last year. Sirmaur, too, has seen a significant slip, from 1,006 in 2023 to 939 last year.

Dr Sanjeev Verma, CMO, Una, feels that being a border district could be one of the reasons for the relatively lower SRB. “We keep a strict check on ultra sound clinics within the district, but people can easily cross over to the neighbouring state. So, this easy access to clinics in the other state could be one of the reasons for the dip in SRB,” said Dr Verma.

The CMO said the department plans to sensitise people about gender equality by holding more awareness campaigns at the panchayat level. “Until a few years back, the SRB in Una was below 900. We have gradually gone beyond 900. All efforts will be made to push it further up through sensitisation and keeping a strict check on ultra sound clinics in the district,” he said.