Sex ratio in India

Context:

The sex ratio in India, which measures the number of males per 100 females, has been a significant demographic concern, reflecting both gender imbalances and social issues.

Current Sex Ratio in India (2024)

• Total Population: India's population stands at approximately 1.44 billion, with 743.39 million males and 698.29 million females.
• Sex Ratio: The sex ratio is about 106 males per 100 females (i.e., 1,020 females per 1,000 males).
• Regional Disparities: There are significant variations:
• Rural Areas: The sex ratio is higher at 1,037 females per 1,000 males.
• Urban Areas: The sex ratio is lower at 985 females per 1,000 males.

Sex Ratio at Birth

• Recent Trends: The sex ratio at birth has improved, reaching 933 females per 1,000 males in 2022-23, an increase from 918 in 2014-15.
• Historical Trends: The sex ratio at birth in India has fluctuated over time, with an all-time low of 896 females per 1,000 males in 2015-17.

Sex Ratio Projection for 2036

• Growth Projection: India’s population is projected to reach 1.52 billion by 2036.
• Expected Improvement: The sex ratio is expected to improve gradually from 943 females per 1,000 males in 2011 to 952 females per 1,000 males by 2036.

State-wise Variations

• Kerala stands out with the highest sex ratio, recording 1,084 females per 1,000 males.
• Other states show varying degrees of imbalance, with some facing critical gender disparities.

Child Sex Ratio (CSR)

• The Child Sex Ratio (CSR), which measures the number of females per 1,000 males in the 0–6 years age group, has shown a decline:
• 2001 Census: CSR was 927 females per 1,000 males.
• 2011 Census: CSR declined to 918 females per 1,000 males.
• The latest surveys suggest the CSR has slightly improved, but concerns remain over the gender imbalance in children.

Key Factors Affecting Sex Ratio

1. Gender Discrimination: The imbalance is partly driven by socio-cultural preferences for male children, leading to sex-selective practices.
2. Fertility and Education: The fertility rate among women is declining, particularly among educated women, while those in rural or less-educated groups still experience higher fertility rates.
3. Sex-Selective Practices: The continued practice of female foeticide and selective gender-based abortions is a significant contributor to the skewed sex ratio.

Types of Sex Ratio

1. Primary Sex Ratio (PSR): Measures the number of males to females at conception, including stillbirths and miscarriages.
2. Secondary Sex Ratio (SSR): Known as the natural sex ratio, this is measured at birth, and generally shows more males than females.
3. Tertiary Sex Ratio (TSR): Reflects the ratio in young adults in their 20s, where the number of males exceeds females.
4. Quaternary Sex Ratio (QSR): Refers to the adult sex ratio, focusing on those aged 60 and above.

Key Findings from NFHS-5 (2020-21)

• According to the NFHS-5, India's sex ratio in 2023 was 1,020 females per 1,000 males.
• The rural sex ratio is higher at 1,037 females per 1,000 males, while the urban sex ratio is lower at 985 females per 1,000 males.
• The sex ratio at birth improved to 933 females per 1,000 males in 2022-23, but still faces challenges in rural areas.

Historical Trends

• India's sex ratio has fluctuated over time, with a long-term trend of declining gender balance since 1901.
• Sex Ratio in 1951: 946 females per 1,000 males.
• Sex Ratio in 2011: 943 females per 1,000 males.
• Child Sex Ratio in 2011: 918 females per 1,000 males.

India continues to face challenges regarding gender balance, especially with a skewed sex ratio, which reflects broader social issues such as female foeticide and gender discrimination. However, the country's efforts in education, fertility regulation, and gender equality initiatives are expected to gradually improve the sex ratio by 2036, fostering greater gender parity.