Correct option is D
The correct answer is (D) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
As per the Census of India 2011, the sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1,000 males in the population. Among the given states, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest sex ratio.
- Tamil Nadu: 996 females per 1,000 males
- Rajasthan: 928
- Bihar: 918
- Uttar Pradesh: 912
Tamil Nadu’s comparatively higher sex ratio reflects better social indicators, including:
- Improved female literacy
- Wider access to healthcare
- Stronger public welfare and nutrition programmes
- Better status of women in society compared to many northern states
In contrast, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar have historically faced challenges such as gender bias, son preference, lower female education, and higher maternal mortality, which adversely impacted their sex ratios by 2011.
Information Booster:
- India’s overall sex ratio (Census 2011): 943 females per 1,000 males
- State with highest sex ratio (2011): Kerala (1084) (not in options)
- State with lowest sex ratio (2011): Haryana (879)
- Child Sex Ratio (0–6 years) in India (2011): 919
- Sex ratio is a key indicator of:
- Gender equality
- Women’s health and survival
- Social development
Additional Knowledge:
- Kerala consistently tops India in sex ratio due to:
- High female literacy
- Better health infrastructure
- Northern Indian states generally show lower sex ratios due to socio-cultural factors.
- Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the National Health Mission aim to improve gender balance.
Option-wise Key Facts (for exam revision):
- (A) Rajasthan: Low sex ratio due to traditional practices and lower female literacy
- (B) Bihar: Slightly better than Uttar Pradesh but still below national average
- (C) Uttar Pradesh: One of the lowest sex ratios among large states
- (D) Tamil Nadu: Best performer among given options
