2011 Census: A Brief Summary

According to the provisional results of the 2011 census, released on 31^st March 2011, India’s population as on first March 2011 was 1210million. This is a humongous population, than the size projected by experts and professional organisations.

Population Growth

Between the census years 2001 and 2011, the absolute addition to the population was 181 million. The average annual growth rate was 0.33% points less than the rate observed during 1991 – 2001. If the fall in growth rate over the last two decades continues, then there is every reason to believe that, the rate of growth of population would be much lower in the coming decades.

Though the growth rate has declined compared to the previous decade of 1991 – 2001, there was only a marginal decline in the absolute number of people added to the population total. This is not unexpected as there is still a growing number of women entering the reproductive ages (the result of high fertility in the past). This inbuilt tendency for India’s population to grow will continue at least until the middle of this century.

The average annual growth rate of population declined in all major states except in Tamil Nadu, it may be the result of growth in net in-migration into Tamil Nadu during 2001 – 2011. The other notable in-migration major states are Haryana, Maharashtra and Gujarat. In contrast, Kerala continues to be a net exporter of people to elsewhere in India and overseas.

Literacy

The provisional population figure of 2011 census shows a marked improvement in literacy rate. The effective literacy rate (literacy rate in population aged above 7 years of age) increased from 64.8% to 74% over the decade 2001 – 2011. Although the improvement was significant for both males and females, females gained more than males (increase of literacy rate from 75.3% - 82.1% for males and from 53.4% - 65.46% for females).

Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir had a lower achievement level in literacy in 2001, ranking low at the bottom; they all stood at higher ranks with respect to improvement in literacy during the decade 2001 – 2011. On the other hand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan performed poorly with respect to other states.

Gender Composition

The overall sex ratio at the national level has increased by 7 points to reach 940 at census 2011 as against 933 in census 2001. This is the highest sex ratio recorded since 1971 and a shade lower than 1961. Increase in sex ratio is observed in 29 states/Union Territories. Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar and Gujarat have shown decline in sex ratio as compared to census 2001. Kerala with 1084 has the highest sex ratio followed by Puducherry with 1038 while Daman and Diu has the lowest sex ratio of 618. The most important contributor to overall increase in sex ratio is improvement in survival rate among women.

Decline in Child Sex Ratio 

As was the case during the 1990’s the increase in population sex ratio was almost entirely due to the increase in sex ratio among the population aged 7 and above. But the sex ratio for the population aged 0-6 years continued to decline from 945 females per 1000 males in 1991, to 927 in 2001 and further down to 914 in 2011. In spite of an increase between 2001 and 2011, Punjab and Haryana have the lowest sex ratio (less than 850) among 0-6 year olds in 2011. All the major states except Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu recorded increase in male population in their under seven population. The largest decline was in Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

Conclusion

The provisional population figures of the 2011 census do suggest that India’s population growth is slowing down. Although the total population size exceeded more projections, the growth rate has slowed compared to the 1990’s. This is largely due to further declines in fertility throughout the 2000’s in the populous states in Northern India.

Studies have consistently shown that the long-term solution for eliminating discrimination against female discrimination against female children lies in bringing about transformative changes in social institutions and family. The continuous gains in female literacy over last two decades are signs that far-reaching social changes are under way. Early 20^th century experience shows that secondary education for all is essential for women’s empowerment. In women’s empowerment lie the answer to India’s population and developmental problems.