Question

Which district in Kerala recorded the highest child sex ratio (0-6 years) according to the 2011 Census?

• A. Kollam
• B. Kannur
• C. Pathanamthitta
• D. Kozhikode

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Pathanamthitta

Understanding Child Sex Ratio in Kerala (2011 Census)

• Pathanamthitta's Distinction

  • In the 2011 Census, Pathanamthitta district recorded the highest Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) in Kerala.
  • This indicates a relatively healthier gender balance among young children in the district compared to others in the state.

• Kerala's Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years)

  • Kerala's overall Child Sex Ratio in 2011 was 964 females per 1000 males.
  • While still high compared to the national average, it showed a slight decline from 966 in the 2001 Census, indicating a concerning trend.
  • The district with the lowest Child Sex Ratio in Kerala in 2011 was Alappuzha, recording 909 females per 1000 males.

• National Context of Child Sex Ratio

  • The All India Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) according to the 2011 Census was a concerning 919 females per 1000 males.
  • This figure represented a significant decline from 927 in 2001, highlighting a major demographic challenge at the national level.
  • States like Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir recorded some of the lowest Child Sex Ratios in the country.

• Significance of Child Sex Ratio

  • The Child Sex Ratio (CSR) is a crucial demographic indicator that measures the number of females per 1000 males in the 0-6 age group.
  • A declining CSR is often indicative of gender-biased practices such as female feticide, infanticide, and deeply rooted societal preferences for male children.

• Key Facts from 2011 Census (Kerala)

  • The 2011 Census was the 15th National Census of India since its first complete census in 1872 and the 7th since India's independence.
  • Kerala continued to boast the highest overall Sex Ratio in India in 2011, with 1084 females per 1000 males, contrasting sharply with its child sex ratio trend.
  • The state also maintained the highest literacy rate in India, recorded at 93.91%.
  • According to the 2011 Census, Ernakulam district had the highest overall population in Kerala, while Wayanad had the lowest.