UPSC Prelims 2005 Q141: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
Which one of the following are the correct statements on the basis of Census - 2001?
- (a) Bihar has the highest percentage of the Scheduled Castes of its population.
- (b) The decadal growth of population of India (1991 - 2001) has been below 20 %.
- (c) Mizoram is the Indian State with the least population.
- (d) Pondicherry has the highest sex ratio among the Union Territories.
Answer: (d) Pondicherry has the highest sex ratio among the Union Territories.
Explanation
Census 2001 findings
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Bihar has the highest percentage of SCs | False: Punjab (about 28.9%) |
| b. Decadal growth 1991-2001 below 20% | False: it was about 21.3% |
| c. Mizoram has the least population | False: Sikkim is the least populous State |
| d. Pondicherry has the highest sex ratio among UTs | True — 1001 females per 1000 males |
Pondicherry had the highest sex ratio among the Union Territories at about 1001.
Answer: (d) Pondicherry has the highest sex ratio among the Union Territories.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Punjab had the highest SC share.
- (b) Incorrect. The growth rate was about 21.3%.
- (c) Incorrect. Sikkim is the least populous State.
- (d) CORRECT. Pondicherry has the highest sex ratio among UTs.
Key point
Census 2001: sex ratio 933; Kerala 1058; Pondicherry 1001; Haryana 861.
Remember
Pondicherry had the highest sex ratio among UTs in Census 2001.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Bihar for highest SC percentage.
- Treating the growth rate as below 20%.
- Naming Mizoram instead of Sikkim as the smallest State.
Exam tip
UT with highest sex ratio: Pondicherry (2001), Puducherry again in 2011.
Sources
- Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Census of India 2001: Provisional Population Totals
- NCERT Class XII Geography — India: People and Economy — Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition