Haryana News : Acting on the instructions of Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao, a weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for improving Haryana’s sex ratio was held today, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal. The meeting focused on ramping up efforts to prevent illegal abortions and enhance the state’s sex ratio under the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ initiative.
One of the key highlights was the recent progress in Haryana’s sex ratio, which has risen to 906 as of June 23, compared to 902 during the same period last year—attributed to various state-led initiatives.
The Additional Chief Secretary emphasized tougher action against illegal abortions and directed strict penalties, including licence cancellations for doctors involved in such practices. Officials were asked to intensify inspections of ultrasound and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) centres and boost registration drives, particularly in Charkhi Dadri district, where focused efforts are needed. It was also decided that the former CMO of Charkhi Dadri, Dr. Rajvinder Malik, will face disciplinary action due to consistent underperformance in monitoring sex ratio measures.
Monitoring of SAHELIs—volunteers linked to pregnant women—will be tightened, especially in cases where abortions have occurred. Accountability for Community Health Centres (CHCs) was reinforced, and Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) in areas reporting illegal abortions will be held responsible. In this context, Dr. M. Nehra, officiating SMO at CHC-Gopi in Bhiwani, was ordered to be chargesheeted over poor sex ratio statistics in his jurisdiction.
To counter illegal cross-border abortion practices, health officials were instructed to collaborate with neighbouring districts, hold joint meetings, and improve intelligence-sharing.
The meeting also decided that any woman arriving at a hospital with signs of bleeding must undergo reverse tracking and testing for MTP pill use. Legal action will be taken immediately upon any violations.
Between June 17 and June 23, 2025, a total of 28 inspections related to illegal MTP kit sales were carried out across the state, resulting in one shop being sealed and two FIRs filed. In just 1.5 months, the number of MTP kit wholesalers in Haryana has dropped from 32 to 3, and a decline in MTP kit sales has been noted in 15 districts. Additionally, the registration of an AYUSH doctor in Kharkhoda, Sonipat was revoked and an FIR lodged for conducting unlawful abortions.
The Additional Chief Secretary called for expanding the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign in urban areas. He urged Deputy Commissioners and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to actively raise awareness on saving the girl child. CMOs were instructed to lead local awareness campaigns, particularly in parks and public areas, and display banners highlighting district-wise sex ratios to sensitize residents.
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will also be involved in anti-abortion efforts, with designated Nodal Officers supporting enforcement and awareness drives. Additionally, postgraduate students from Social and Preventive Medicine departments in medical colleges will be engaged in urban outreach initiatives.
The Women and Child Development Department has been asked to intensify awareness through dedicated social media campaigns.
Officials were also directed to identify and reward SAHELIs who played a significant role in ensuring successful deliveries of girl children. These recognitions, facilitated by the respective CMOs, aim to motivate broader community participation in this important mission.
The meeting was attended by Rippudaman Singh Dhillon, Secretary of the Health Department and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, along with senior officials from various departments.