New Delhi : The sex ratio in Delhi has declined for the fourth consecutive year, with only 920 girls born for every 1,000 boys in 2024, according to the latest report by the Delhi government. The ratio was 922 in 2023 and 929 in 2022, signaling a persistent downward trend that has raised concerns among health experts and policymakers.
The annual report, released by the Department of Economics and Statistics and the Chief Registrar (Births and Deaths), shows that a total of 306,459 births were registered in 2024, compared to 315,087 in 2023. Experts fear that the increase in prenatal gender testing may be contributing to the declining female birth ratio, prompting calls for stronger regulatory measures and public awareness campaigns.
Gynecologists at government hospitals note that a preference for male children persists among some families, with affluent individuals reportedly traveling abroad for gender testing.
While the child mortality rate in Delhi slightly improved to 22.40 per thousand in 2024 from 23.61 in 2023, and the maternal mortality rate decreased marginally from 0.45 to 0.44 per thousand, the overall birth rate has fallen from 14.66 per thousand in 2023 to 14.00 in 2024. The death rate, however, has slightly increased from 6.16 to 6.37 per thousand.
Historical trends reveal that the gender ratio at birth has fluctuated over the years. In 2005, 822 girls were born per 1,000 boys, rising to 1,004 in 2008 after the implementation of the ‘Ladli Scheme’, aimed at improving the girl child ratio. The ratio improved to 933 by 2020 but has been declining since, with 932 in 2021, 929 in 2022, and 922 in 2023.
The report also indicates that 96.09% of births occurred in hospitals, with 65.11% of these in public healthcare facilities. While 88.10% of births were in urban areas, rural areas accounted for 11.90%.
Experts emphasize that the consecutive decline in the sex ratio underscores the urgent need for awareness campaigns, stricter monitoring of gender testing, and sustained societal efforts to address gender bias in Delhi.