RAS question
According to Census 2011, which state has the lowest sex ratio?
Correct answer: (D) Haryana (879).
According to Census 2011, Haryana had the lowest sex ratio among Indian states, at 879 females per 1,000 males.
Explanation
Census 2011 defines sex ratio here as females per 1,000 males, so the lower the number, the more adverse the gender balance. The MoSPI Women & Men in India 2017 highlights table records India's sex ratio as 943, with Kerala highest at 1084 and Haryana lowest among states at 879. That makes Haryana the answer, not merely because its figure is low in isolation, but because it is the lowest state figure in the official Census 2011 comparison. Among Union Territories, Daman & Diu was lower at 618, but the question asks for a state, so that UT figure does not change the answer. A low sex ratio reflects gender-based discrimination.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Uttar Pradesh's sex ratio of 912 females per 1,000 males is higher than Haryana's 879, so it is not the lowest state figure.
- (B) Punjab's sex ratio of 895 is low, but Haryana's 879 is lower, which rules Punjab out.
- (C) Rajasthan's sex ratio of 928 is well above Haryana's 879, so it cannot be the state with the lowest sex ratio.
Concept
This tests Census 2011 demographic indicators, especially sex ratio as a measure of population composition. RAS repeatedly asks such state-wise extremes because they link geography, society and governance issues such as gender discrimination.