Explainer | Haryana’s Sex Ratio Rebound: What Changed, and Can It Last?

After years of worrying decline, Haryana has recorded its first meaningful improvement in sex ratio at birth since 2019. The turnaround is not accidental. It reflects aggressive enforcement, administrative vigilance, and targeted crackdowns on illegal practices in one of India’s most gender-skewed states

What is the big headline from Haryana’s latest sex-ratio data?

Haryana’s sex ratio at birth has climbed to 921 girls per 1,000 boys as of December 28, 2025, its first significant gain since peaking at 923 in 2019. The figure marks a sharp recovery from 910 in January 2025, reversing a five-year downward trend.

Why is this improvement significant?

The rise is notable because Haryana has historically ranked among India’s worst-performing states on gender balance. According to the World Health Organization, the natural sex ratio at birth is around 952 girls per 1,000 boys. At 921, Haryana is closer to that benchmark than at any point in the past five years.

What triggered this turnaround after years of decline?

The state government constituted a special task force in early 2025, with a clear numerical target: crossing 920. Weekly reviews, coordinated enforcement, targeted raids, and tighter monitoring of medical termination practices helped drive a 20% drop in abortions during the year.

What role did enforcement play?

A decisive one. Authorities intensified inspections of ultrasound centres, tightened oversight of MTP pill sales, and revived strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act, a law whose implementation had weakened in recent years.

Were community-level interventions involved?

Yes. The strategy extended beyond policing. Anganwadi and ASHA workers were mobilised to raise awareness, flag suspicious patterns, and reinforce messaging around gender equity—re-anchoring the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao framework at the grassroots.

Which districts performed the best?

Panchkula topped the state at 963, Fatehabad followed with 961, and Panipat reached 945, up from 900 last year. At the other end, Rewari recorded the lowest ratio at 880, though even that marked an improvement.

Why did Haryana’s sex ratio fall after 2019?

Analysts point to loosening enforcement of the PNDT Act, fading intensity of awareness campaigns, and persistent cultural pressures, particularly son preference linked to land ownership, inheritance norms, and the dowry system.

Can this improvement be sustained?

That remains the central question. While data shows consistent month-on-month improvement in 2025, history suggests enforcement momentum often fluctuates. Long-term gains will depend on whether cultural attitudes shift alongside continued administrative vigilance.

What does Haryana’s experience mean for India more broadly?

Haryana’s rebound matters nationally because it demonstrates that deeply entrenched gender imbalances are reversible with focused, sustained intervention. The task-force model, weekly reviews, and coordinated enforcement could offer a template for other northern states facing similar challenges.

(yMedia is the content partner for this story)