Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India as per Census 2011:
1. Lakshadweep has a minimal share in India’s ST population but the highest internal ST proportion among all states and UTs.
2. Over half of India’s ST population is concentrated in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
3. The ST population recorded a lower growth rate than the total population during 2001–2011.
4. The sex ratio among Scheduled Tribes is more favourable than the national average.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Lakshadweep has the highest proportion of STs to total population (94.8%) among UTs, though their absolute share in national ST population is minimal.
• Statement 2 is correct: More than 50% of India’s ST population is concentrated in nine states: MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The ST population recorded a higher decadal growth rate (23.7%) than the total population (17.7%) during 2001–2011.
• Statement 4 is correct: As per Census 2011, the sex ratio among STs was 990, higher than the national average of 943.
Information Booster:
• STs constitute around 8.6% of India’s population (Census 2011).
• Most ST populations live in forested, hilly, or geographically isolated areas.