India has recently recorded a historic demographic shift. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the country’s overall sex ratio has reached 1,020 women per 1,000 men, marking the first time in recent history that women outnumber men nationally. Despite this milestone, experts caution that the overall sex ratio does not fully reflect gender equality. The more critical indicator remains the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), which measures the number of newborn girls for every 1,000 boys.
Nationally, the Sex Ratio at Birth has improved from 918 females per 1,000 males in 2014-15 to 933 in 2022-23. Twelve states have surpassed the national average, reflecting gradual progress in addressing gender imbalance. Kerala continues to lead with an overall sex ratio of 1,084 women per 1,000 men, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh.
In contrast, several states continue to struggle. Haryana, historically known for severe gender imbalance, witnessed its Sex Ratio at Birth decline from 923 in 2019 to 910 in 2024. Although the state recorded its highest figure in five years at 923 in 2025, it remains below the natural parity benchmark of 950. Punjab reported an overall Sex Ratio at Birth of 918 in 2024, with districts such as Pathankot recording a concerning figure of 864. Delhi also experienced a decline, falling from 929 in 2022 to 920 in 2024. Maharashtra has faced persistent challenges in reversing a downward trend, recording a Sex Ratio at Birth of 907 in 2023 and 912 in 2024, both significantly below the national average.
Against this backdrop, Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as a notable example of progress. For a region frequently associated with conflict and political uncertainty, the improvement in gender indicators over the past decade represents a significant achievement. The region has demonstrated that strict enforcement mechanisms can produce measurable results. Unlike states such as Punjab and Haryana, where illegal sex selection practices continue to persist despite higher economic prosperity, Jammu & Kashmir’s rigorous monitoring of diagnostic centres has contributed to tangible improvements in the Sex Ratio at Birth.
Despite the encouraging trend, demographic experts warn that the effects of historical gender discrimination may continue to pose challenges. Even as more girls are being born, the long-term consequences of earlier imbalances could create what experts describe as an “echo effect,” potentially affecting future social and demographic stability.
Jammu & Kashmir now stands at a critical juncture. While the region has made substantial progress in improving birth ratios, policymakers and social institutions must shift their focus from ensuring survival to promoting empowerment. Significant gaps remain in the availability of comprehensive health data. For instance, the Registrar General of India does not yet publish a separate Maternal Mortality Ratio for Jammu & Kashmir, leaving an important aspect of women’s health unmeasured.
At the national level, India’s demographic transition presents a new challenge. With the country’s total fertility rate falling below the replacement level and currently standing at 1.9 children per woman, shrinking family sizes may intensify the preference for male children within smaller families. Experts caution that this fertility transition could potentially reverse gains in gender balance if proactive interventions are not sustained.
The evolving experience of Jammu & Kashmir highlights how policy enforcement and institutional monitoring can influence demographic outcomes. As India continues its pursuit of gender equity, the region’s progress offers an important example of how persistent efforts can reshape long-standing social patterns and redefine a demographic narrative once marked by imbalance.
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