India has witnessed a notable improvement in the sex ratio at birth (SRB), with 12 states reporting figures higher than the national average, according to the latest government data. The progress reflects the impact of sustained efforts under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ (BBBP) initiative and related gender equity programs across the country.

As per the data released by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), the national sex ratio at birth has risen to 933 females per 1,000 males, compared to 918 recorded a decade ago. States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh have reported ratios significantly above the national average, highlighting successful implementation of awareness and monitoring mechanisms.

Officials credited this improvement to targeted interventions, including stricter enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, and increased community-level advocacy promoting the value of the girl child.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani noted, “This improvement is a testament to the collective efforts of communities, health workers, and administrators who have worked relentlessly to ensure gender equality right from birth.”

Experts, however, cautioned that continued vigilance is necessary, especially in states still below the national average, to ensure the gains are not reversed. They emphasized the importance of education, health access, and social empowerment for women to sustain long-term gender balance.

The government also plans to expand awareness programs in districts showing lower ratios and integrate SRB improvement targets with broader maternal and child health indicators.