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UPSC Prelims 2005 · Indian Geography · People and Settlements
Which one of the following is the correct statement 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.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Pondicherry has the highest sex ratio among the Union Territories.
Puducherry had the best sex ratio among UTs (about 1,001).
The idea
A census fact must use the correct indicator, territory and year. A population share, an absolute count, a decadal growth rate and a sex ratio answer different questions. Test each statement with its own denominator rather than treating them as one ranking.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Punjab has the highest share of Scheduled Castes (~29% in 2001).
(b) Growth in 1991–2001 was 21.5%, above 20%.
(c) Sikkim, not Mizoram, had the least population.
The trap
Bihar is associated with backwardness — but Punjab has the highest SC share.
Also know
Decadal growth is the increase over ten years divided by the population at the start of that decade. The sex ratio counts females per 1,000 males, while SC share divides Scheduled Caste residents by all residents. A State and a Union Territory are separate categories in census superlatives.
🔒 Highest SC %: Punjab. Highest ST %: Mizoram / Lakshadweep. Decadal growth: 21.5% (2001), 17.7% (2011).
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