Chandigarh: Haryana’s sex ratio at birth (SRB) has improved to 917 this week, thanks to the special task force (STF) intensifying reverse tracking of medical termination of pregnancies (MTPs) under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. The STF is led by additional chief secretary (health) Sudhir Rajpal and the operations are being supervised by health and family welfare minister Arti Singh Rao.The progress was shared during a meeting of the STF, where Rajpal attributed the improvement to intensified field efforts, particularly the reverse tracking of MTPs.So far, 690 reverse trackings have been completed across the state, with the highest number reported from Ambala. These investigations have led to the registration of 18 FIRs in suspected cases of illegal abortions and sex-selective practices, with 13 more FIRs currently in process.Rajpal appreciated the hard work of the field force and directed strict action against officials whose negligence led to lapses in reverse tracking or failed attempts to trap illegal MTPs and sex determination operations. He also ordered chargesheets against officers who failed to undertake reverse tracking in their jurisdictions.Between July 14 and 21, Haryana’s weekly sex ratio improved to 917, up from 860 during the same week last year. From Jan 1 to July 21, the cumulative SRB stands at 904, showing a two-point improvement from 902 in the corresponding period last year.Director general health services (DGHS) Manish Bansal stressed the need for stringent enforcement against illegal abortions. He instructed officials to take punitive measures, including revoking the licences of doctors found complicit. The state is implementing reverse tracking of all MTP and abortion cases beyond 12 weeks, especially where women already have one or more daughters.Show-cause notices have been issued to several private hospitals and clinics suspected of malpractice, as well as to medical officers, ASHAs, ANMs, and SAHELIs associated with the concerned pregnant women.The STF also mandated that chief medical officers (CMOs) and PNDT officials conduct extensive field raids and ensure strict implementation of anti-sex selection laws. Officials were instructed to report any Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PIGT) requests within five days to monitor and prevent gender-based misuse.
