In a number of states, India’s sex ratio at birth (SRB) is decreasing and still exhibits concerning male bias. 

1. A “fertility squeeze”—where families anticipate fewer children, those with son preferences employ technology to secure at least one boy—and 
2. Iilegal sex-selection despite a strict ban are the two forces that consistently appear in statistics and field reports. What the figures show, why the skew occurs, what the law does, and what policies truly work are all covered in this succinct explanation.

What the numbers say

• The data show that SRB differs significantly by state and even by district. Parts of the South and East are closer to natural levels, while the North and some metropolitan areas continue to be more skewed.
• Because local enforcement and awareness fluctuate and sources (NFHS, SRS, and civil registration) vary, trends zigzag. Consider monitoring at the state and district levels as the primary lens.

Why it matters: A skewed SRB today might lead to a marriage market imbalance tomorrow, which can result in long-term demographic imbalances, trafficking, and violent concerns. Additionally, it is a direct sign of severe gender bias.

Three interrelated factors explain why the sex ratio declines.

1) The demand or son(male child) preference

There is a high need for sons due to cultural and economic conventions, including dowry demands, inheritance, old age security, and ritual lineage. Income and education are helpful, but they don’t always eliminate bias.

2) Technology that makes unlawful sex-selection possible (the means)

Early sex determination is easily abused thanks to ultrasound and more recent technologies like NIPT. Sex selection and foetal sex revelation are prohibited by the PCPNDT Act; yet, underreporting, paperwork gaming, and covert networks continue the practice in areas with high demand.

3) The bias (the amplifier) is amplified by declining fertility.

Families that desire to have one or two children are more likely to choose to “guarantee” a boy. Because of this fertility pressure, SRB may get worse even when fertility rises—unless norms shift

The backbone of the law and its weaknesses

• The 1994 PCPNDT Act, as revised in 2002: forbids sex selection, controls diagnostic centres, and requires registration, documentation (such as Form F), examinations, and sanctions.
• Reality on the ground: There is disparity in enforcement; some districts have more staff than others. Under-enforcement gives violators more confidence, while overzealous paperwork inspections can drive away compliance suppliers.
• As technology advances, regulating genetic testing procedures and cross-border samples presents a new problem.

Missing females throughout childhood: beyond the womb

There are other ways to deal with “missing women” besides sex-selective abortion. Some regions have greater post-natal mortality rates for girls because of inadequate care, treatment, and nutrition, which exacerbates the bias that started at birth.

Where it’s worst and why some places improve

• Haryana, Punjab, the Delhi NCR belts, portions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and particular urban clusters are historically imbalanced.
• Stronger public health systems, female education, and persistent social media messaging have made Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and a number of eastern states comparatively better.
• Lesson: Social context and policy are important. If attentiveness wanes, gains may be lost.

Quick FAQs

Q1. If fertility is falling, shouldn’t the sex ratio improve?

Ans) It will not improve automatically. When family size shrinks but male child preference persists, selection pressure increases—hence the “fertility squeeze.”

Q2. Isn’t PCPNDT enough?

Ans) Yes,It’s essential  but technology keeps evolving and enforcement capacity varies. Without norm change and reproductive-health safeguards, violations usually go underground.

Q3. Do cash incentives work?

Ans)Sometimes they work but for short-term periods. Long-term results need schooling, safety, inheritance rights, jobs and strong community messaging that raises the value of daughters.

Q4. Why publish micro-level SRB?

Ans)Because villages/wards can slip even when a district looks fine. Early flags enable quick inspections, counselling and corrective action at the right time.