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Sex Ratio
4.1 Definition and Data
Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1,000 males. A balanced sex ratio is 1,000:1,000 = 1,000. India's sex ratio has historically been below 1,000 — indicating more males than females, partly due to female infanticide, neglect, maternal mortality, and son preference.
National Sex Ratio (2011): 943 females per 1,000 males
- Improved from 933 (2001), 927 (1991), 929 (1981)
- Trend is improving at the national level
Child Sex Ratio (0–6 years, 2011): 919 girls per 1,000 boys
- DECLINED from 927 (2001) — most alarming trend
- Indicates sex-selective abortions (despite PCPNDT Act 1994)
- States with very low child sex ratio: Haryana (834), Punjab (846), Delhi (866), Uttarakhand (886)
4.2 State-wise Sex Ratio Analysis (2011)
| Rank | State | Sex Ratio (F/1,000 M) |
|---|---|---|
| Best | Kerala | 1,084 |
| 2 | Puducherry (UT) | 1,037 |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | 996 |
| Last | Haryana | 879 |
| 28 | J&K | 889 |
| 27 | Delhi | 868 |
4.3 Factors Affecting Sex Ratio
Why Kerala Has the Best Sex Ratio
- High female literacy (92%+ in 2011) → women aware of rights, better healthcare use
- Low fertility (TFR ~1.8) → fewer pregnancies, lower maternal mortality
- Matrilineal traditions in some communities (Nair community)
- Strong female participation in public life, education, employment
- "Kerala Model of Development" — investment in human development over industrial growth
Why Some States Have Poor Sex Ratio
- Son preference culture (patriarchal traditions in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan)
- Sex-selective abortions using ultrasound (despite PCPNDT Act 1994)
- Dowry system → daughters seen as economic burden
- Lower female literacy and autonomy
- Low female age at marriage → maternal mortality risk higher
Government Interventions
- PCPNDT Act 1994 (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act): Prohibits sex determination of foetus before birth; amended 2003
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched 2015; target districts in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan; Rs 100 crore initially; success stories in some districts
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Savings scheme for girl children; tax-free; promotes girls' education