Despite years of progress, Haryana’s gender imbalance remains a stark reminder of India’s ongoing struggle with deep-rooted patriarchy and son preference. In 2024, the state’s sex ratio at birth (SRB) plunged to 910 girls for every 1,000 boys, its lowest in eight years. This worrying drop comes despite government programs and public awareness campaigns.

At the heart of this crisis are illegal sex determination practices, weak enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, and societal pressures that favor sons over daughters. While schemes like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, ‘Aapki Beti, Humari Beti’, and ‘Mahri Lado’ radio programs aim to correct the imbalance, experts warn that policies alone cannot create sustainable change.

States like Tripura have shown that improvement is possible, but Haryana’s challenge goes beyond legislation—it requires challenging cultural mindsets, engaging communities, and building a culture that values girls equally. The question is no longer whether Haryana can catch up—it’s whether it will act boldly enough to change the narrative for its daughters.