After showing steady improvement, sex ratio begins to worsen again in Haryana

Haryana’s efforts to stop female foeticide have suffered a setback with the sex ratio at birth (SRB) dropping to its lowest level since 2016. The decline raises concerns about illegal sex determination tests in the state. Experts attribute the decline to lapses in administrative monitoring and the need for better monitoring to preserve the gains made in recent years. Data shows that eight districts in Haryana, including seven in the National Capital Region, have an SRB below 900. The authorities will need to redouble efforts to address deep-rooted anti-woman attitudes and protect schemes to prevent infanticide.