98% women, only 2% men opt for sterilisation in 20-day drive in Bihar

In a sterilisation drive in Bihar from July 11 to July 31, 2026, only 2% of 15,033 participants were men, with 14,728 female sterilisations and 305 male sterilisations.

Bihar has one of India's highest fertility rates, with TFR at 2.9 children per woman (SRS 2024), above the national average of 1.9.

Patna led in female sterilisation with 1,210 procedures, followed by West Champaran (820), Vaishali (809), East Champaran (752), and Gaya (702).

Vaishali and Siwan topped male sterilisation with 52 procedures each, while Aurangabad had 27.

Public health experts stress that increasing male participation is critical for equitable family planning.