Published: [01/11/2025] | By Newswell24 News Desk
“sex ratio in Haryana”
Every year on November 1, Haryana celebrates Haryana Day, commemorating its formation in 1966 after the Punjab Reorganisation Act. This agriculturally rich state, a crucible of India’s Green Revolution, is known for its vibrant culture and strategic economic zones. However, for decades, its story was shadowed by a deeply troubling reality: a critically skewed sex ratio. This Haryana Day, we delve into the state’s challenging yet inspiring journey from being a hotspot for female infanticide to becoming a beacon of girl child empowerment.
A Legacy of Imbalance: Haryana’s Historical Sex Ratio Crisis
At its inception, Haryana was already grappling with a demographic disaster. The female sex ratio in Haryana in 1966 stood at a mere 877 girls for every 1000 boys, one of the worst in the nation. This alarming figure was a direct consequence of deep-seated patriarchal norms, a preference for male heirs, and the rampant practice of female infanticide and, later, sex-selective abortions. For years, the state faced severe criticism for its inability to effectively handle this issue, which perpetuated a cycle of gender inequality.
The Turning Tide: How Haryana is Tackling the Challenge
Faced with persistent national scrutiny and an internal social crisis, the Haryana government initiated a multi-pronged attack on the problem. The journey of change has been driven by a combination of stringent law enforcement, powerful public awareness campaigns, and strategic financial incentives.
1. Stringent Law Enforcement and Crackdowns
A cornerstone of Haryana’s fight has been the strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. The state machinery has been vigilant in conducting raids on illegal ultrasound clinics and cracking down on the illicit sale of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) kits. These efforts have led to numerous arrests and seizures, sending a strong deterrent message against prenatal sex determination.
2. Changing Mindsets: Public Awareness and Cultural Shifts
Recognizing that laws alone cannot change deep-rooted biases, Haryana launched a massive campaign for behavioural change. The central government’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme found a particularly passionate implementer in Haryana. The campaign was amplified at the grassroots level, celebrating the birth of a girl child and advocating for her education.
Furthermore, the state found unlikely ambassadors for change in its women athletes. The phenomenal success of wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and the Phogat sisters provided powerful, homegrown role models. Their achievements on the world stage challenged the very foundation of the patriarchal mindset, proving that a daughter could bring unparalleled pride and glory to her family and state.
3. Financial Security as a Tool for Empowerment
To directly address economic anxieties and promote the value of a girl child, the state introduced innovative financial incentive schemes.
- Aapki Beti Hamari Beti: This flagship scheme provides a one-time grant of ₹21,000 for the first girl born in SC/BPL families and for the second girl child in all other families. The amount is invested with LIC, ensuring a secure financial corpus for her education and future when she turns 18.
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: The state actively promotes this national scheme, encouraging parents to open savings accounts for their daughters, fostering a habit of long-term financial planning for her future.
The Road Ahead: Progress and Persistent Challenges
The results of these sustained efforts are visible but underscore a journey that is far from over. The sex ratio in Haryana has shown a gradual improvement, rising from 877 in 1966 to around 910 in 2024. While this marks significant progress, it still lags behind the national average of 940, indicating the need for continued focus.
Beyond the sex ratio, the next frontier for girl child empowerment in Haryana is female literacy, which currently stands at 65.94%. Enhancing educational opportunities for girls is crucial for sustaining long-term social change and ensuring they can fully participate in the state’s economy and society.
This Haryana Day, the narrative is one of cautious optimism. Haryana’s journey from a region plagued by female infanticide to one actively championing the cause of its daughters is a testament to what determined policy and societal awakening can achieve. The road is long, but the state has firmly embarked on the path toward true gender equality and empowerment.