Sex Ratio Declines Sharply in Odisha, MLA Flags Crisis in Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The issue of a steadily declining sex ratio in Odisha was raised in the State Assembly on Friday, with BJD legislator Sarada Prasanna Jena expressing deep concern over the trend during the ongoing Winter Session.

Speaking during Zero Hour, the Balikuda-Erasama MLA said the sex ratio at birth in the state has fallen to 894 girls per 1,000 boys, calling the figure alarming. He pointed out that the situation is even more severe in Jagatsinghpur district, where the ratio has dipped to 862 girls per 1,000 boys.

Jena said illegal prenatal sex determination tests and female foeticide are among the major reasons behind the continuous decline. He cautioned that such practices are eroding the gender balance and could have long-term social consequences.

Referring to the Civil Registration System (CRS) report released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the MLA noted that Odisha’s sex ratio at birth stood at 933 girls per 1,000 boys in 2021, down significantly from 979 in 2011–12. The ratio had fallen to 930 in 2017, briefly increased to 947 in 2019, and then dropped again to 933 in 2021.

Jena urged the state government to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, crack down on illegal sex determination centres, and intensify awareness campaigns to combat gender bias and protect girl children.