Haryana's Urgent Call: NHM Director Demands Vigilance Against Lagging Sex Ratios, Citing Societal Stakes

It's a stark reminder that even as progress is celebrated, complacency simply isn't an option. Haryana, a state that has truly turned the tide on its sex ratio at birth (SRB) over the past few years, is now being urged to keep a very close watch, a constant vigil even, on any district showing a dip. The message comes straight from the top: Ritu Gupta, the esteemed Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Haryana, has laid down a clear directive to all civil surgeons across the state – no district with a lagging or declining sex ratio should escape their immediate and focused attention.

During a recent crucial meeting, Director Gupta didn't mince words. She emphasized that while the state's overall SRB has seen commendable improvement – standing proudly at 917 for April to November 2023 – this positive trajectory absolutely cannot mask the underlying issues in specific pockets. Her primary concern? Those districts where the SRB lingers stubbornly below the state average. "We need to drill down," she insisted, urging the surgeons to pinpoint not just districts, but even specific villages where the numbers are telling a worrying story. It’s about identifying these vulnerable areas before the problem takes deeper root, isn’t it?

The strategy, she explained, hinges on a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, there’s a non-negotiable emphasis on strictly enforcing the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. This isn't just a legal formality; it's our shield against illegal sex determination tests that tragically lead to female foeticide. Moreover, civil surgeons are expected to roll up their sleeves and craft meticulous micro-plans for these identified "trouble spots." Think of it as a bespoke action plan, tailored precisely to the unique challenges of each low-SRB village or cluster.

Data, naturally, plays a colossal role here. Director Gupta stressed the absolute necessity of maintaining robust, accurate records of every pregnant woman, every delivery, and crucially, the sex of every newborn. Because frankly, without precise data, how can anyone genuinely track progress or, for that matter, identify where we're falling short? Regular reviews, she mandated, are equally vital. These aren't just bureaucratic exercises; they’re opportunities to assess, adapt, and ensure that interventions are actually making a tangible difference on the ground. Accountability, after all, is key.

Beyond the strict enforcement and data crunching, the human element, the community’s involvement, remains paramount. She highlighted the ongoing importance of awareness campaigns like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter). These initiatives aren't just slogans; they are powerful tools to shift mindsets, to challenge entrenched biases, and to champion the invaluable worth of girls in our society. Imagine the ripple effect when a community genuinely embraces this message!

It’s not all about grim warnings, though. The Director did acknowledge the exemplary work being done in some areas, specifically applauding Sirsa district for maintaining an SRB well above 900. This kind of success story, she implied, should serve as a beacon, a practical example of what’s achievable when commitment and coordinated efforts come together. But even with such bright spots, the underlying message was clear: there's no room for complacency. Every life counts, every girl child's right to exist and thrive must be fiercely protected.

Ultimately, the challenge of maintaining and improving the sex ratio is a collective responsibility. It demands unwavering dedication from health officials, tireless vigilance from local communities, and a societal commitment to valuing every single child, regardless of gender. Haryana has shown it can lead the way; now, it must ensure that no village, no family, no girl child is left behind in this vital journey towards true gender equality.