Question.
What are the Key features of the sex ratio of the population of India? Evaluate the impacts of the child sex-ratio on the general sex-ratio in the country.
(UPSC 2025, Paper 2, Geography Optional PYQ)
Answer.
Sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1000 males in a population.
Child Sex Ratio (0–6 years) is the number of girls per 1000 boys in the age group 0–6 years.
According to the Census of India 2011:
- Overall sex ratio = 943 females per 1000 males
- Child sex ratio = 919 girls per 1000 boys
Key Features of Sex Ratio in India (Census 2011):
The following are salient features of the sex ratio with respect to the Population Census 2011:
1. Improvement but Still Below Ideal
Sex ratio has increased from 933 (2001) to 943 (2011)
It indicates gradual improvement, but still below natural balance (~950+)
2. Wide Regional Variations.
There are regional variations in the sex ratio in India:
- High Sex Ratio States
- Kerala – 1084 (highest)
- Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh – above the national average
It reflects better female literacy, health care, and social status
Low Sex Ratio States:
Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have a low sex ratio.
It shows there are strong patriarchal norms and son preference in the above states.
Extremely Low (UT level)
- Daman & Diu ~618 (lowest)
North-South Divide:
- Southern and Eastern India → higher sex ratio
- North-Western India → lower sex ratio
This reflects socio-cultural differences and development patterns.
Rural–Urban Differences:
Urban areas often show a lower sex ratio due to:
- Male-dominated migration
- Employment patterns
Female Longevity Effect
- A higher sex ratio in some states due to better female life expectancy, especially in Kerala.
3. Increasing but Uneven Trend
Improvement seen in 29 states/UTs, but decline in some states like Bihar, Gujarat, J&K.
Key Features of Child Sex Ratio (CSR)
Sharp Decline
- Declined from 927 (2001) to 919 (2011)
- Lowest since Independence
Extreme Regional Disparity
High CSR States:
- Arunachal Pradesh – 972
- Mizoram – ~970
- Meghalaya – ~970
Low CSR States:
- Haryana – 834
- Punjab – 846
Indicates strong gender bias at the birth level
Rural-Urban Contrast:
Urban areas show lower CSR due to:
- Access to sex-selective technologies
- Higher economic capacity for such practices
Indicator of Social Attitudes:
CSR reflects:
- Female foeticide
- Son preference
- Gender discrimination
Impacts of Child Sex Ratio on General Sex Ratio
The following are the impacts of child sex ratio o general sex ratio:
1. Long-Term Demographic Imbalance:
Low CSR leads to fewer females entering reproductive age, thereby reducing the overall sex ratio in the future.
2. Bride Deficit
Shortage of women leads to an increased unmarried male population.
Census-based estimates suggest millions of “missing women.”
3. Rise in Social Problems
- Trafficking of women
- Increase in crimes against women
4. Distorted Population Structure
- Skewed age-sex pyramid
- Imbalance in the dependency ratio
5. Impact on Fertility and Population Growth
Reduced female population → affects birth rates and demographic transition
6. Reinforcement of Gender Inequality
- Low CSR perpetuates patriarchal values
- Leads to a lower status of women in society
Critical Evaluation
Positive: Overall sex ratio is improving gradually ( up from the 2001 census)
Negative: Child Sex ratio (CSR) declining sharply( Sharp decline from 2001 census)
Concern: North-west India worst affected
Structural Issue: Deep-rooted gender bias
Thus, improvement in the overall sex ratio is partly misleading, as the child sex ratio shows future imbalance.
India’s sex ratio pattern reflects a complex interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and demographic factors. While the overall sex ratio has improved to 943 (2011), the declining child sex ratio (919) signals a serious demographic and social crisis.
The child sex ratio acts as a leading indicator of future population imbalance, and its continued decline may worsen gender inequality, social instability, and demographic distortions.
Therefore, addressing gender bias at birth is crucial for achieving a balanced and sustainable population structure in India.
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