It is heartening to note that the 2021–23 Sample Registration System (SRS) data reflects improvement in India’s Sex Ratio at Birth, with many states crossing the national average of 917.

Minster of Health J P Nadda says the data reaffirms government’s collective resolve to work towards gender equality through effective sensitization, skill enhancement of officials, and strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure the  Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act [PC&PNDT Act ] is implemented in both letter and spirit across the country.

Earlier this week, the Health Minister convened a meeting of the Central Supervisory Board [CSB] to reiterate the nation’s commitment to strengthen the implementation PC&PNDT Act, 1994

The 2021-23 SRS data indicates that India has made improvements in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), with many states recording SRB figures above the National average of 917. The Health Minister underlined the need for sensitization and capacity building and stringent implementation of the PC&PNDT Act 1994 during the CSB meeting.

The Minister reiterated the nation’s commitment to strengthen the implementation of the PC&PNDT Act and to prevent the misuse of medical technologies for sex selection and sex determination. The meeting agenda included detailed discussions to address the issues of gender balance and review the progress made on various action points that were decided during the last CSB meeting.

The Health Minister took note of the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Report for 2021–23, which have shown improvement in the National SRB. The State wise progress was also discussed. The performance outcomes highlighted through settlement of court matters, inspections of premises, and registration of facilities, reflected continued improvement over a period of time. The major topics of discussion focused on ensuring that effective action both at the National & the sub-national level is the need of the hour to further the gender balance.

Nadda also mentioned about the National Sensitization Workshop held on 6th October 2025 to address technology-driven challenges and underlined the need for more state-level workshops and discussions amongst key stakeholders to strengthen enforcement and awareness, stressing upon effective actions on the emerging digital-era challenges such as portable diagnostic devices and online advertisements for sex determination.

“Sensitization activities, state-wise interactions & reviews, and sharing of best practices should be a regular process. Effective action is a driver in propagating the importance of ensuring gender balance through strict enforcement of the PC&PNDT Act,” he said.

The Minister also noted the proactive measures taken by states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Haryana, etc. including their innovative strategies to combat gender-biased sex selection.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava detailed the measures taken with due commitment of the Union Health Ministry for strengthening the implementation of the PC&PNDT Act for further improving the SRB. She also underscored the need for ensuring that the health & well-being of the girl child remains a key priority area, which was also taken up during the recently concluded Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) in collaboration with MoWCD to strengthen healthcare services for women & children across India.

Savitri Thakur, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development, discussed on the various steps taken by the Govt. of India to prevent gender biased sex selection. She highlighted the impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative in promoting the value of the girl child. While discussing the improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth, she emphasized that the progress and the concerted efforts should continue.

The CSB members deliberated on various challenges and suggested way forward measures while also giving valuable inputs & insights on the various aspects to be taken cognizance of. Key areas discussed on various agenda points emphasized the need to continuously focus upon the strengthening the implementation of the PC&PNDT Act in comprehensive manner through constant dialogue with key stakeholders and continued monitoring activities.

The Union Health Minister reiterated that the CSB will continue to play an active role in providing directions and oversight to fulfil the mandate of the Board and make continuous endeavours to strengthen the implementation framework of the PC&PNDT Act.