India's Civil Registration Data 2024

Civil Registration Data (CRS 2024) Summary:

1. Sex Ratio at Birth:

   • National average: 917 females per 1,000 males.
   • Top performers:
     • Arunachal Pradesh: 1,050
     • Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 984
     • Meghalaya: 974
     • Mizoram: 972
     • Kerala: 970
   • Lowest performers:
     • Nagaland: 865
     • Lakshadweep: 865
     • Jharkhand: 890
   • Historical context: Male preference leading to skewed ratios; need for policy interventions.

2. Stillbirth Statistics:

   • Total stillbirths in 2024: 81,117 (with 69% occurring in urban areas).

3. Birth and Death Registrations:

   • 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.
   • Coverage statistics:
     • Birth registration: 99.1%
     • Death registration: 99.4%
   • 13 States recorded over 90% birth registrations.
   • 15 States recorded over 90% death registrations.

4. Legal Framework:

   • Birth and death registration is mandatory under the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969.
   • Amendments in December 2006 aimed to simplify reporting forms and improve compliance.

5. Data Quality and Implications:

   • Expanded civil registration allows for better demographic insight into the country’s transition.
   • Increasing birth and death registrations signify improved system capture but do not reflect sharp rises in fertility or mortality rates.

6. Constitutional and Policy Implications:

   • The civil registration data plays a critical role in guiding government policy and implementation concerning demographic measures, health policies, women's rights, and child welfare.
   • Relevant to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and fundamental rights emphasizing equality and no discrimination based on gender.

This summary encapsulates key statistics and implications surrounding India's civil registration system, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges.