Civil Registration System (CRS) Report 2024

About Civil Registration System (CRS) Report 2024:

Recently, The Civil Registration System (CRS) Report 2024, released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), shows that over 99% of births and deaths were registered across the country in 2024, indicating significant progress in India's civil registration system. 

Key findings of CRS report:

• • Birth registration reached 99.1%, with registered births increasing from 2.52 crore (2023) to 2.54 crore (2024).
  • Death registration reached 99.4%, with registered deaths rising from 86.6 lakh (2023) to 89.4 lakh (2024).
  • 13 States achieved more than 90% birth registration, while 15 States recorded over 90% death registration.
  • Stillbirths recorded in 2024 stood at 81,117, with nearly 69% occurring in urban areas.
  • The report indicates improved coverage of births, deaths and stillbirths, providing a more reliable picture of India's demographic trends.

About Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB):

The Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) refers to the number of female live births per 1,000 male live births during a given period. It is an important indicator of gender equality, reproductive health, and the prevalence of sex-selective practices.

• • India's SRB (2024): 917 females per 1,000 males

Best Performing States/UTs

• • • Arunachal Pradesh: 1,050
    • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 984
    • Meghalaya: 974
    • Mizoram: 972
    • Kerala: 970

Lowest SRB

• • • Nagaland: 865
    • Lakshadweep: 865
    • Jharkhand: 890

Although the national SRB has improved, the report highlights continued regional imbalances, reflecting the persistence of gender bias in some parts of the country.

Significance of the Findings:

• • • A sex ratio at birth close to the natural biological range (around 950 females per 1,000 males) indicates the absence of widespread sex-selective abortions and reflects greater gender equity. Historically, India has faced a male-skewed sex ratio due to son preference and discriminatory social practices.
    • The report suggests that States such as Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh have achieved balanced or female-favouring sex ratios, whereas some States continue to require targeted interventions.
    • Improved registration also strengthens evidence-based policymaking by providing accurate demographic data for planning health, education, social welfare, and population policies.

About the Civil Registration System (CRS):

The Civil Registration System (CRS) is the official mechanism for the continuous, compulsory, and universal registration of births, deaths, and stillbirths in India.

Legal Framework

• • • Governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
    • Implemented by the Registrar General of India (RGI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Registration is carried out through State Governments and local registrars.

Objectives

• • • Maintain a complete and permanent record of vital events.
    • Provide legal identity through birth registration.
    • Generate reliable vital statistics for demographic planning.
    • Support implementation of health and social welfare programmes.

Challenges:

• • Regional disparities in registration quality and gender outcomes.
  • Persistent son preference and sex-selective practices in some areas.
  • Delayed registration in remote and tribal regions.
  • Need for better public awareness regarding compulsory registration.
  • Strengthening digital infrastructure and interoperability across States.

Conclusion:

The CRS Report 2024 reflects India's significant progress towards universal registration of vital events, strengthening the country's demographic database. While improvements in the Sex Ratio at Birth in several States are encouraging, regional disparities continue to highlight the need for sustained efforts to eliminate gender bias and ensure balanced demographic development.