The Census of India 2011 reports a sex ratio of 940 females per 1000 males. The 'Child Sex Ratio' (0–6 years) was 914. Which of the following is the CORRECT interpretation?
- A Child sex ratio being lower than the overall sex ratio indicates higher female mortality in the elderly
- B Child sex ratio being lower than the overall sex ratio suggests adverse sex selection against girls ✓
- C The overall sex ratio of 940 is above the natural sex ratio at birth, suggesting over-registration of females
- D A child sex ratio of 914 is above the global average and therefore not a concern
Explanation
The natural sex ratio at birth is approximately 950–952 females per 1000 males. A child sex ratio of 914 (lower than both the natural rate and the overall sex ratio of 940) reflects sex-selective abortion and neglect of girl children — a serious public health and social concern. The declining child sex ratio (969 in 1961 → 914 in 2011) prompted the launch of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. The overall sex ratio is influenced by older age groups where female survival may be higher; the child sex ratio specifically captures real-time sex selection practices.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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