Sex Ratio in India, NFHS-5 Survey, Current Status, Projected 2036 Estimate

The sex ratio in India is one of the key demographic indicators used to measure gender balance within the population. It represents the number of females per 1,000 males and reflects the country’s socio-economic and cultural dynamics. A balanced sex ratio is vital for equitable development, social stability, and sustainable population growth. However, India has long struggled with gender disparities rooted in deep-seated social and cultural preferences.

Sex Ratio in India

The sex ratio serves as a mirror to gender equity, social progress, and health conditions. As per Census 2011, India’s overall sex ratio stood at 943 females per 1,000 males, marking an improvement from 933 in 2001. The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2023 estimated India’s sex ratio at 1,020 females per 1,000 males, showing gradual improvement, especially in southern states. However, the child sex ratio (0-6 years) remains a concern, declining from 927 in 2001 to 919 in 2011, indicating persistent issues like sex-selective abortions and gender bias

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Sex Ratio in India Historical Background

India’s sex ratio has witnessed significant fluctuations since the early 20th century. In 1901, the sex ratio was 972 females per 1,000 males. It declined to 933 by 2001, before slightly improving in 2011. The fall was mainly due to gender discrimination, preference for male children, and unequal healthcare access. The NFHS-5 (2019-21) data later revealed a positive trend, showing 1,020 females per 1,000 males, indicating gradual social transformation and better health outcomes for women.

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Sex Ratio in India State-Wise

According to Census 2011, states like Kerala (1084) and Puducherry (1037) recorded the highest sex ratios, while Haryana (879), Delhi (868), and Chandigarh (818) had the lowest. Key highlights include:

• Kerala: 1084 females per 1000 males
• Puducherry: 1037
• Tamil Nadu: 996
• Uttar Pradesh: 912
• Haryana: 879
• Punjab: 895
• Delhi: 868

Child Sex Ratio in India

The Child Sex Ratio (CSR), which measures the number of girls per 1,000 boys aged 0–6 years, is a crucial indicator of gender bias at birth. As per Census 2011, the child sex ratio in India stood at 919, down from 927 in 2001. The SRS Statistical Report 2023 shows improvement in CSR to around 935, supported by schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and awareness against prenatal sex selection.

States such as Chhattisgarh (969) and Kerala (964) show balanced ratios, while Haryana (834) and Punjab (846) remain among the lowest, though improving in recent years.

Factors Influencing Sex Ratio in India

Various factors that influence the Sex Ratio in India are:

1. Socio-Cultural Preference for Sons: Historical patriarchal beliefs and inheritance patterns favor male children for economic and social reasons.
2. Female Foeticide and Infanticide: Widespread use of sex determination tests in past decades led to declining birth rates of girls.
3. Migration Patterns: Male-dominated labor migration from rural to urban areas skews the ratio in certain states.
4. Health Inequalities: Poor nutrition, limited access to maternal healthcare, and early marriages impact female survival rates.
5. Educational and Economic Gaps: Lower education and employment levels among women often translate to less empowerment and autonomy.

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Sex Ratio in India Government Initiatives to Improve

The Government of India has prevailed several initiatives and policies to improve the Sex Ratio in India as given below:

1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015): Launched in Panipat, Haryana, this flagship scheme aims to prevent gender-biased sex selection and promote the education and survival of girl children. It helped improve the child sex ratio in Haryana from 834 (2011) to 923 (2022).
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (2015): A savings scheme for the girl child that provides financial security and encourages families to value female education and empowerment.
3. Janani Suraksha Yojana: Promotes institutional deliveries and maternal healthcare, reducing female infant mortality.
4. Poshan Abhiyan (2018): Addresses malnutrition and anemia among adolescent girls and women, improving overall health indicators contributing to sex ratio balance.
5. National Girl Child Day: Celebrated every year on January 24, it promotes gender equality and awareness about rights of the girl child.

Sex Ratio in India Regional Variation

The southern and northeastern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Meghalaya consistently report higher sex ratios due to better female literacy, healthcare access, and matrilineal traditions. In contrast, northern states like Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi lag behind due to stronger patriarchal structures and lower participation of women in workforce and decision-making.

Sex Ratio in India Impact

The skewed Sex Ratio in India has several impacts on the social, cultural, developmental and other aspects as mentioned here:

1. Marriage Squeeze: Shortage of women in northern states leads to delayed marriages and rise in trafficking.
2. Social Instability: Gender imbalance increases violence against women.
3. Labor Market Effects: Reduced female participation affects economic growth.
4. Population Aging: Declining female birth rates impact demographic stability in the long term.
5. Health Burden: Poor reproductive health and stress among women in male-dominated societies.

Sex Ratio in India Challenges

The challenges faced in the balancing of the Gender disparities are:

1. Persistent Gender Bias: Deep-rooted son preference in rural and semi-urban India continues. Way Forward: Gender sensitization programs in schools and local governance reforms are vital.
2. Economic Dependence of Women: Limited job opportunities restrict women’s empowerment. Way Forward: Promote skill-based employment and financial inclusion.
3. Incomplete Enforcement of Laws: Laws like PCPNDT Act often face poor implementation. Way Forward: Strengthen monitoring and impose strict penalties for violations.
4. Health Disparities: Maternal and infant health services remain inadequate in some regions. Way Forward: Expand healthcare outreach and nutritional programs.
5. Cultural Resistance: Traditions favoring dowry and son preference still prevail. Way Forward: Promote awareness campaigns and incentivize girl child education.

Sex Ratio in India International Comparison

According to World Bank Data and UN, the global average sex ratio is 984 females per 1,000 males, while India’s ratio stands around 1,020 as per NFHS-5 (2019-20), indicating notable improvement but still facing child sex ratio concerns. Countries like China (926) continue to struggle with similar issues, showing that socio-cultural bias remains a global challenge.

Sex Ratio in India SDG

Balanced sex ratio directly contributes to achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Ensuring equal survival, education, and employment opportunities for women forms the foundation for inclusive development in India.

Sex Ratio in India Status of Women

Today, India is witnessing gradual improvement in gender parity, reflected in higher political participation, rising education levels, and workforce inclusion. Women now hold 33% of Parliament seats and increasingly occupy leadership positions. The narrowing gender gap is reshaping India’s social fabric and contributing to its human capital growth.

NFHS-5 Survey on Sex Ratio in India (2019-21)

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-21 provided updated demographic insights into India’s population and gender balance. It reported a total sex ratio of 1,020 females per 1,000 males, a significant rise from 991 in NFHS-4 (2015-16), showing gradual improvement. However, the sex ratio at birth remained low at 929, below the natural level of 950-970, due to continued sex-selective practices. The child sex ratio also stood at 929, reflecting regional variations and modest progress in reducing gender imbalance.

Projected Sex Ratio in India by 2036

By 2036, India’s population is projected to reach 152.2 crore, with women forming 48.8% of the total, up from 48.5% in 2011. The overall sex ratio is expected to improve to 952 females per 1,000 males, reflecting a more balanced demographic structure. With declining fertility rates, enhanced maternal healthcare, and rising female literacy and workforce participation, India’s demographic future looks more gender equitable. The emphasis on women’s education, entrepreneurship, and participation in policymaking will further shape a progressive and inclusive Vision 2036.

Sex Ratio in India UPSC

The journey of India’s sex ratio, from 933 (2001) to over 1,020 (2019-20), represents progress driven by awareness, legal reforms, and policy interventions. However, regional disparities, cultural prejudices, and child sex ratio decline remain pressing concerns. Strengthening gender-sensitive education, enforcing anti-discrimination laws, and promoting economic independence for women are crucial to achieving a balanced and equitable demographic future.

As per the recent estimates, India’s overall sex ratio has reached 1,020 females per 1,000 males, marking a significant milestone. This improvement is attributed to better maternal health, rising female literacy (77.70% in 2021-2022, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and the National Statistical Office), and government-led welfare programs focusing on girl child education and protection.

• NFHS-5 (2019-20) reported 1,020 females per 1,000 males, for the first time showing a slightly higher number of females.
• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropped from 556 (1990) to 97 (2020) per 100,000 live births (WHO data).
• Female Literacy improved to 77.70% in 2021 from 54.16% in 2001 (Census).
• Government interventions and legal bans on sex selection have curbed female foeticide significantly.