According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, released by Union health ministry, India has now 1,020 women for every 1,000 men and no longer faces the threat of a population explosion.

The conclusion is based on the survey of 650,000 households from 707 districts of the country.

“With this, we can say India moves in the league of the developed countries – as the sex ratio crosses 1000,” a health ministry official said, attributing it to measures taken for women empowerment such as financial inclusion and for combating gender bias and disparities.

The sex ratio at birth also improved from 919 in 2015-16 to 929 in 2019-20, indicating the positive impact of measures like implementation of the PC and PNDT Act and various other interventions. According to NFHS-3, conducted in 2005-06, the sex ratio was 1000: 1000 and in 2015-16 (NHFS-4), it declined to 991:1000.