Chandigarh, Oct 21 — Punjab’s sex ratio at birth (SRB) has continued its downward slide, dropping from 925 girls per 1,000 boys in 2020 to 922 in 2023, according to the latest Annual Report on Vital Statistics of India released by the Registrar General of India.
The state’s SRB remains lower than the national average of 928 and has been ranked 20th among 28 states. Data was compiled for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2023.
The report shows that while Arunachal Pradesh topped the list with an SRB of 1,085, followed by Nagaland (1,007) and Goa (973), Punjab was among several states — including Haryana, Delhi, and Andhra Pradesh — that recorded a decline between 2022 and 2023.
Punjab’s SRB has shown a consistent fall since 2020 — 925 in 2020, 924 in 2021, 923 in 2022, and 922 in 2023. State figures indicate it further dropped to 918 in 2024 and 902 till August 2025.
Health officials said the government has issued letters to districts performing below 906. Sangrur (865) and Mansa (868) are currently the worst performers this year.
“Despite strict implementation of the PC-PNDT Act, female foeticide remains a concern,” said a senior official.
Dr Aditi Salari, Director (Family Welfare), Punjab, said, “We are concerned over the decline and are holding regular review meetings. Districts with poor SRB have been instructed to intensify awareness and monitoring.”
