India's Civil Registration Data 2024
India has historically faced challenges in achieving a balanced sex ratio at birth due to the legacy issue of son preference. According to the latest Civil Registration System (CRS) 2024 data, released on July 1, 2026, there are indications of improvement in sex ratios and registration rates, although progress is uneven across different States and Union Territories.
Sex Ratio at Birth Statistics
- The national average sex ratio at birth is 917 females per 1,000 males.
- Top performing regions include:
- Kerala: 970 females per 1,000 males
- Arunachal Pradesh: 1,050 females per 1,000 males
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 984 females per 1,000 males
- Meghalaya: 974 females per 1,000 males
- Mizoram: 972 females per 1,000 males
- Weaker regions include:
- Nagaland: 865 females per 1,000 males
- Lakshadweep: 865 females per 1,000 males
- Jharkhand: 890 females per 1,000 males
A balanced or slightly higher sex ratio at birth suggests fewer instances of sex-selective abortions.
Historical Context and Challenges
- Haryana and Punjab have recorded the lowest child sex ratios at birth historically.
- The 2011 Census recorded that Haryana had 834 girls per 1,000 boys, and Punjab had 846.
- Efforts to correct this imbalance have been extensive at the policy level.
Registration Improvements
- Total registered births increased from 252.1 lakh in 2023 to 254.7 lakh in 2024.
- Registered deaths increased from 86.6 lakh to 89.4 lakh.
- 13 States recorded over 90% birth registrations, and 15 States recorded over 90% death registrations.
- The level of birth registration reached 99.1% and death registration 99.4% in 2024, nearing full coverage.
Stillbirths and Urban Bias
- In 2024, 81,117 stillbirths were recorded, with 69% occurring in urban areas.
Legal and Administrative Measures
- The registration of births and deaths is mandatory under the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969.
- Forms were amended and simplified in December 2006 to improve user-friendliness and eliminate redundant data.
The data suggest that the civil registration system's expansion does not necessarily reflect changes in fertility or mortality rates but illustrates better data collection for demographic and policy planning.
