Patiala, Oct. 20 -- Punjab's sex ratio at birth (SRB) has seen a steady decline, slipping from 925 girls per 1,000 boys in 2020 to 922 in 2023. This figure remains worryingly lower than the national average of 928 females per 1,000 males.

The sex ratio at birth refers to the number of girls born for every 1,000 boys.

The 2023 annual report on Vital Statistics of India, which is based on the annual reports of the states/UT, ranked Punjab 20th among 28 states.

The report was released last week by the office of the Registrar General of India, containing key information of events pertaining to the 12-month period - January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

The highest SRB in the country has been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh (1,085), followe...