SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded four girl-child victims under foeticide in 2024, compared with one case in 2022 and none in 2023, according to data tabled by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
The figures were provided in response to an unstarred question on female foeticide raised by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data annexed to the reply, J&K reported one case in 2022, zero in 2023 and four in 2024. No such cases were reported from Ladakh during the three-year period.
The Union government also provided state- and UT-wise data on cases registered for communication of the sex of a foetus, based on quarterly progress reports submitted by States and UTs. The data showed zero cases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
At the national level, the number of girl-child victims recorded under foeticide for crimes against children rose from 61 in 2022 to 98 in 2024, after standing at 37 in 2023, the NCRB data showed.
The Ministry said the national sex ratio at birth increased from 898 females per 1,000 males in 2014-16 to 918 in 2022-24, citing Sample Registration System data. It attributed the improvement to strengthened implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act and sustained awareness and sensitisation initiatives.
The government further said that inspections of ultrasound centres are conducted by the State/UT Appropriate Authorities and District Appropriate Authorities under Section 17 of the PC&PNDT Act, 1994, to check violations.
