Maharashtra’s missing daughters: What lessons to learn from state's declining child sex ratio
A State That Once Led the Way
Maharashtra is the land of Jijamata, who shaped the vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; of Savitribai Phule, who fought for women's education; and of Anandibai Joshi, India’s first female doctor. For generations, the state has been associated with social reform and women's empowerment.
Yet, a disturbing truth is emerging. Despite economic growth and modern thinking, Maharashtra is witnessing a sharp decline in the number of girls being born. Recent data reveals that the sex ratio at birth in the state has dropped to just 888 girls for every 1,000 boys. This figure raises uncomfortable questions about the gap between progress on paper and the reality on the ground.
Behind Every Statistic Lies a Lost Life
The figures from the Sample Registration System (SRS) report are not merely numbers; they point to thousands of girls who never got the chance to be born.
Between 2020 and 2022, only 888 girls were born for every 1,000 boys in Maharashtra—a figure significantly lower than the national average of 918. The state's average for this period stood at just 899. When these figures were presented in the Legislative Assembly in May 2026, they sparked concern in political circles. However, mere concern cannot solve a problem that has persisted for years.
A Startling Disparity Between Urban and Rural Areas
Perhaps the most shocking aspect is that urban areas are faring worse than rural Maharashtra.
While rural areas have seen improvement—with the sex ratio rising from 888 to 910 girls per 1,000 boys—the situation in cities has moved in the opposite direction. In urban areas, this ratio has dropped from 908 to just 885.
This challenges the common belief that education and urbanization automatically lead to social progress. In many instances, access to technology and medical facilities has made it easier to discriminate against the unborn rather than protecting them.
States Setting a Better Example
Several states have demonstrated that achieving a better balance is possible. In Chhattisgarh, the sex ratio stands at 978 girls per 1,000 boys, while in Kerala, it is 974. These figures show that regardless of economic status, social mindset can make a significant difference.
On the other hand, states like Uttarakhand (872), Delhi (876), and Haryana (885) are grappling with similar challenges.
A Deep-Rooted Social Issue
Experts believe this issue goes beyond mere statistics; it reflects deep-seated societal attitudes. Dr. Vandana Sonalkar, a former professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), has pointed out that the preference for sons and illegal sex-determination tests are the primary reasons for this declining ratio.
Although there are strict laws against prenatal sex selection, concerns regarding their enforcement persist. The continuation of such practices indicates that unless social attitudes change, laws and regulations alone are insufficient.
A Crucial Question for Maharashtra
Maharashtra takes pride in being one of India's most progressive states. Yet, can a society truly call itself progressive if daughters are denied the very right to be born?
Economic growth, modern infrastructure, and technological advancement hold little meaning if the space for girls in society continues to shrink. Reversing this trend requires not only the strict enforcement of laws but also a collective shift in mindset.
The challenge before Maharashtra is clear: to ensure that every child—whether boy or girl—is welcomed into the world with equal respect and opportunity. Only then will the state truly be able to carry forward the legacy of the great women who helped shape its history.