Chandigarh - In a sharp administrative move, four doctors in Haryana have been suspended, with immediate effect, for alleged failures in monitoring and implementing measures intended to improve the state's sex ratio. The suspensions, enacted on Monday, come as the state grapples with a significant drop in the ratio of girls born per 1,000 boys.
The sex ratio at birth (SRB) for the initial four months of 2026 stands at 898 girls per 1,000 boys. This figure represents a concerning decline from the previous year's SRB of 923, which had marked a high for the state. Several districts, including Sonipat, Rohtak, and Yamunanagar, have registered SRB figures below the 900 mark during this period.
The suspended officials are:
Dr. Tina Anand, Senior Medical Officer at Community Health Centre (CHC) Purkhas in Sonipat.
Dr. Vijay Parmar, SMO at CHC Radaur in Yamunanagar.
Dr. Satpal, SMO at CHC Chiri in Rohtak.
Dr. Prabha, Medical Officer at CHC Sehlang in Narnaul.
These individuals are reportedly facing disciplinary proceedings under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016, cited for "poor performance and failure to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of measures relating to improvement of sex ratio." During their suspension, they are to remain attached to the offices of the Civil Surgeons in Rohtak, Ambala, Jhajjar, and Rewari.
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Intensified Campaign and State Response
The government’s action coincides with a recently intensified statewide campaign aimed at improving the sex ratio and actively curbing illegal sex determination practices. Officials have stressed the necessity of rigorous monitoring and swift responses to address the demographic imbalance. District health authorities have been directed to bolster enforcement and awareness initiatives across all areas.
Context: A Demographic Challenge
The declining sex ratio at birth has been a persistent demographic concern in Haryana. Measures to address this issue typically involve cracking down on pre-natal sex determination, promoting female child education, and creating a more equitable social environment. The current suspensions appear to be a direct consequence of perceived shortcomings in the implementation of these very measures at the local healthcare facility level.
