India, Oct. 29 -- Pune district's sex ratio at birth has declined from 895 in 2025 to 882 between January 1 and October 25 this year, with the ratio in rural areas dropping to 844, prompting health officials to step up efforts to address gender bias and curb illegal sex determination.

The World Health Organisation estimates the natural sex ratio at birth at about 105 male births for every 100 female births, equivalent to approximately 952 female births per 1,000 male births. Maharashtra's sex ratio was 912 females per 1,000 males, down from 929 in the 2011 Census.

Review meeting

At a review meeting in Pune on Tuesday, Maharashtra Legislative Council member Neelam Gorhe called for stronger enforcement of laws and counselling for familie...