Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab has registered only a modest improvement in its sex ratio at birth for 2025, with new official figures showing the state still faces deep-rooted challenges in correcting gender imbalance, especially across the Malwa region.
According to the latest data released by the state health department, Punjab recorded 924 female births for every 1,000 male births this year, a minor rise from last year’s figure of 922. Despite the improvement, the state remains below India’s national average, highlighting the slow pace of progress.
The numbers reveal that while some districts have shown encouraging signs, 14 of Punjab’s 23 districts recorded a drop in their sex ratio compared to 2024.
The Doaba belt emerged as the strongest-performing region once again. Nawanshahr led the state with a ratio of 964 girls per 1,000 boys, while Hoshiarpur followed closely at 962, reflecting better gender balance compared to other parts of Punjab.
Border districts presented mixed results. Pathankot recorded a noticeable rise, moving from 911 last year to 926 in 2025. Fazilka held steady at 932, while Ferozepur posted stable figures. However, Amritsar and Tarn Taran both witnessed slight declines.
The sharpest concerns continue to come from the Malwa belt, where most districts reported falling numbers. Ludhiana, Patiala, Barnala, Moga and Mansa were among those showing decline, reinforcing concerns over persistent social attitudes favouring sons.
Muktsar recorded the state’s lowest ratio at 891, making it Punjab’s weakest-performing district this year. Mohali and Fatehgarh Sahib followed with 893 each.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s home district Sangrur also remained among the lowest-ranked districts, slipping further to 896. The district has seen a steady fall over three consecutive years, raising concern among officials.
Malerkotla, once considered among the stronger-performing districts, also saw its ratio decline, dropping from 956 to 952.
Health officials say monitoring efforts remain in place to prevent illegal sex-selective practices. Dr Aditi Salaria, Director of Health and Family Welfare, said regular reviews are being conducted across districts to track pregnancy registrations and abortion records.
She added that awareness drives under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign are being expanded through schools, hospitals, health centres and Aam Aadmi Clinics to address social bias and encourage respect for the girl child.
Punjab has long struggled with gender disparity due to son preference, inheritance traditions and misuse of prenatal diagnostic technology. While the slight statewide improvement offers some hope, the continued decline in multiple districts suggests the challenge remains far from resolved.
