SexRatio – Maharashtra Faces Growing Concern Over Declining Female Birth Ratio
SexRatio – Maharashtra is witnessing a concerning demographic trend as the number of girls born compared to boys has gradually decreased over the past ten years. Data from official reports indicates that the state’s sex ratio has continued to slip since the early 2010s, raising questions about long-term social and demographic implications.
Decade-Long Decline in Female Birth Ratio
According to official figures, Maharashtra recorded a sex ratio of 929 girls for every 1,000 boys in 2011. Over the following years, however, the numbers showed a gradual downward movement. The state’s economic survey for 2025-26 notes that the ratio stood at 926 in 2016 and dropped further to 921 by 2021.
The same report states that the figure remained nearly unchanged at 922 in 2026. Projections included in the survey suggest that the situation may not improve in the immediate future, estimating the ratio could remain around 921 by the year 2031 if current trends continue.
Government Highlights Signs of Improvement
Despite the overall downward trend highlighted in the survey, the state government has pointed to certain recent figures that suggest some improvement. Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar addressed the issue during a discussion in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, presenting selective data covering recent years.
According to the minister, the ratio between girls and boys during the period from 2018 to 2020 was recorded at 876 girls per 1,000 boys. He said that between 2021 and 2023 the figure increased to 894, representing an improvement compared to the previous period.
Abitkar further stated that the ratio for the year 2023 alone reached 907, while provisional data for 2024 placed it at 912 girls per 1,000 boys. These numbers, the minister suggested, reflect gradual progress due to ongoing government efforts.
District-Level Distribution Across the State
Sex ratio figures vary significantly across Maharashtra’s districts. Out of the state’s 33 districts, 16 currently report a ratio above 900 girls per 1,000 boys. In contrast, eight districts still remain below the 900 mark, indicating uneven progress across different regions.
Meanwhile, data presented by the government indicates that 12 districts have reported a balanced ratio of 1,000 girls per 1,000 boys. Officials say these variations highlight the need for targeted policies and awareness campaigns in districts where the numbers remain lower.
Comparison With Other Indian States
When compared with several other Indian states, Maharashtra’s situation appears less favorable. Southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have recorded higher ratios, standing at approximately 1,011 and 1,004 respectively.
Chhattisgarh has reported a ratio close to 995, while Karnataka stands at around 971 girls per 1,000 boys. West Bengal’s ratio is estimated at about 970, and Telangana has recorded around 998. These figures suggest that several states have managed to achieve a more balanced gender ratio in recent years.
Government Schemes to Encourage Girl Child Welfare
To address the issue, the Maharashtra government has introduced a number of welfare programs aimed at supporting families with girl children. Among the initiatives mentioned by the health minister are the Lek Ladki scheme, the Sukanya program, and the Mazi Kanya Bhagyshree scheme.
These programs primarily focus on providing financial assistance to encourage the education and welfare of girls. Under the scheme described by the minister, families receive Rs 5,000 at the birth of a girl child. Additional support is provided as the child progresses in school, including Rs 6,000 when she enters Class I, Rs 7,000 at Class VI, and Rs 8,000 at Class XI.
According to government data, more than 2,08,000 girls have benefited from these financial support programs so far.
Legal Measures Against Sex Determination
Apart from financial incentives, the state has also implemented strict legal provisions to prevent gender-based discrimination before birth. Maharashtra introduced the Maharashtra Regulation of Use of Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act in 1988, which prohibits the use of medical technology for determining the sex of a fetus.
Officials note that Maharashtra was the first state in India to enforce such a ban, with the objective of preventing sex-selective practices and improving the gender balance in the population.
While government programs and legal measures are in place, experts say sustained awareness, strict enforcement, and continued support for girls’ education will be essential to address the long-term imbalance in the state’s sex ratio.