Decoding India's Evolving Sex Ratio
In the landscape of India’s demographic data, the sex ratio plays a crucial role. This ratio, expressing the number of males to females, has witnessed notable shifts from the 2011 Census to the recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) in 2023. The 2011 Census reported a sex ratio of 943 females per 1000 males in India. Fast forward to NFHS-5 in 2023, and the national sex ratio has increased to 1020 females per 1000 males. This progression is not uniform, as urban areas record 985 females to 1000 males, while rural areas show a ratio of 1037.
Understanding Sex Ratios: A Social Index for Equity
The sex ratio, expressed as the number of females per 1000 males, serves as a fundamental demographic characteristic. It plays a vital role in various planning processes and is integral to the analysis of factors like fertility, mortality, mobility, and occupational structure. Striking a balance between male and female populations is crucial, considering the distinct and complementary roles both genders play in society and the economy.
Types of Sex Ratios: From Conception to Adulthood
The sex ratio’s dynamics vary across stages of development:
Primary Sex Ratio (PSR): This ratio, determined at conception, relies on data from abortions, miscarriages, and live births.
Secondary Sex Ratio (SSR): The ratio at birth, known as the ‘Natural Sex Ratio,’ observes that more males are born than females globally.
Tertiary Sex Ratio (TSR): Focuses on mature adolescents in their 20s, where the number of males surpasses females.
Quaternary Sex Ratio (QSR): Also known as the Adult Sex Ratio, this reflects the proportion of adults aged 60 years and above
Key Insights
- 2011 Census: India’s sex ratio in 2011 was 943 females per 1000 males, with a male population of 623.7 million and a female population of 586.4 million.
- UN Report 2020: India’s total population, as per the United Nations in 2020, featured a sex ratio of 108.18 males per 100 females, with males constituting 51.96% and females 48.04% of the population.
- NFHS-5 (2023): The latest National Family Health Survey indicates a positive shift, with India’s sex ratio in 2023 reaching 1020 females per 1000 males.
- The Sex ratio at birth for children born in the last five years stands at 929 females per 1000 males, reflecting positive strides.
- Government initiatives, coupled with social changes, have contributed to the normalization of the sex ratio.
State-wise Analysis: Unveiling Disparities
NFHS-5 data brings to light the stark variations among Indian states. Kerala leads with the highest sex ratio at 1145 females per 1000 males, while Haryana faces challenges with the lowest at 926. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of sex ratios in urban and rural areas, unraveling the nuances of the demographic landscape.
States with the Highest Sex Ratio
Kerala leads the states in India with the highest sex ratio, boasting an impressive figure of 1121 females per 1000 males. This notable distinction places Kerala at the forefront, reflecting a demographic balance that surpasses other states. Following closely are states like Rajasthan, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu, each with substantial sex ratios of 1099, 1090, and 1088 females per 1000 males, respectively. The top-ranking states, including Manipur, Odisha, Jharkhand, Telangana, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, continue this trend with sex ratios ranging from 1066 to 1045 females per 1000 males.
States with the Lowest Sex Ratio
Haryana finds itself at the bottom of the list in terms of state-wise sex ratios, ranking the lowest with 926 females per 1000 males, as reported by the National Family Health Survey for the years 2019-21. This revelation places Haryana amidst states grappling with gender imbalances, emphasizing the challenges and disparities in sex ratios across the country. Following Haryana are states like Punjab with a sex ratio of 938, Gujarat with 965, Maharashtra with 966, Madhya Pradesh with 970, Sikkim with 990, and Arunachal Pradesh with 997 females per 1000 males. These findings underscore the need for targeted efforts and initiatives to address gender-related issues in these regions and promote a more equitable demographic landscape.
State-wise Trends:
| States and UTs | Sex Ratio |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1045 |
| Andaman & Nicobar | 963 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 997 |
| Assam | 1012 |
| Bihar | 1090 |
| Chandigarh | 917 |
| Chhattisgarh | 1015 |
| D&D | 827 |
| Delhi (NCT) | 913 |
| Goa | 1027 |
| Gujarat | 965 |
| Haryana | 926 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 1040 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 968 |
| Jharkhand | 1050 |
| Karnataka | 1034 |
| Kerala | 1121 |
| Ladakh | 1125 |
| Lakshadweep | 1187 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 970 |
| Maharashtra | 966 |
| Manipur | 1066 |
| Meghalaya | 1039 |
| Mizoram | 1018 |
| Nagaland | 1007 |
| Odisha | 1063 |
| Puducherry | 1112 |
| Punjab | 938 |
| Rajasthan | 1099 |
| Sikkim | 990 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1088 |
| Telangana | 1049 |
| Tripura | 1011 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1017 |
| Uttarakhand | 1016 |
| West Bengal | 1049 |
| India | 1020 |
Source: Census 2011 and National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)
