Sex Ratio in India: Key Changes from 2011 to 2024
Indian sex ratio numbers from the National Health Family Survey (NFHS) 2021 are depicted in the above info-graphic.
What is sex ratio?
Sex Ratio is the number of females per 1000 males. This measures the male-female ratio in India. It serves as a valuable benchmark for evaluating gender equilibrium in a country. It also plays a pivotal role in promoting demographic dividends. Ideally, a nation should have approximately an equal population of males and females. Any gender imbalances identified through the sex ratio could be a result of social inequalities prevalent in society.
National Health Family Survey Latest Numbers
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) – 2021, India’s sex ratio is 1020 females per 1000 males. This figure varies from state to state, reflecting regional disparities based on social, economic, and cultural beliefs.
Kerala, an Indian state, is reported to have the highest sex ratio in India. There are 1121 women for every 1000 males. Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar are the states with more female population than male.
States like Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir are among the lowest sex ratio states in India. The underlying reasons are complex and societal issues play a pivotal part in this. Son preference is deeply rooted in many North Indian states. A male child is considered the carrier of family lineage and the caretaker during old age. In contrast, girls are seen as financial liabilities because of social demons like dowry.
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Indian Sex Ratio at Birth – 1960 -2021
Before prenatal sex test availability in 1960 and the early 70’s, boys used to outnumber girls. The ratio was approximately at 105 boys for every 100 girl child at birth. Introduction of ultrasounds in 1980’s made the sex determination more accessible before birth. The sex ratio at birth started to move in favor of boys. These technological advances prompted the Indian government to implement the PCPNDT Act in 1994. PCPNDT stands for The Preconception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Technique Act and it bans the pre-birth sex determination. The impact of effective implementation can be seen. It is augmented with other schemes and awareness campaigns. We can see that in the curve reversal starting from 2010.
Post 2010 states began to enforce the PCPNDT act strongly and strictly. Legal actions against offending doctors/medical staff and sealing of those clinics has been expedited. High court and supreme court has taken suo-moto in many cases. The national and state government has also started many campaigns to spread awareness.
Comparison : 2011 Census Data Vs NFHS survey 2021
The good news is that the situation seems to be improving. Comparing the data of the 2011 census with the 2021 NFHS survey provides insights into the progress. It also highlights ongoing challenges of gender equality in the country. According to the 2011 census data, India’s sex ratio was 943 females over 1000 males. In the 2021 survey, a marked improvement was observed. The country’s current sex ratio figure moved to 1020 females per 1000 males. In 2011, Kerala reported a sex ratio of 1084 which has increased to 1121 in 2021. Haryana’s tally is still the lowest but the number has improved from 879 to 926.
Conclusion & Initiatives
The overall improvement is seen in the India’s sex ratio in the last few years. Nationwide awareness has been spread for gender equality. Education and urbanization have played a significant role in generating awareness. Equal employment opportunities also contribute to this awareness. Government initiatives like Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao are significant in generating awareness. Actions against clinical pre-birth sex determination specifically have discouraged gender-biased practices.
One of the prominent reason for this change is the increase in female education in last few years. Mother have become educated which helped in decreasing gender discrimination. Now a days , more women are getting financially independent and this is transforming the society . Institutional deliveries and technological advances have also helped in improvement of Indian sex ratio in a last decade or so.
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