According to the 2011 Census, which of the following States has the highest growth rate of population?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — C, Meghalaya. As per the 2011 Census, Meghalaya recorded the highest decadal population growth rate (2001–2011) among India's States — well above the national average of about 17.7% — reflecting high fertility and continuing in-migration in this North-Eastern hill State.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) Another North-Eastern State with a high growth rate, but its decadal growth rate for 2001–2011 was lower than Meghalaya's.  (b) Bihar's growth rate was among the highest in mainland India (driven by high fertility), but it still trailed Meghalaya's.  (d) A demographically mature, lower-fertility State — its decadal growth rate was among the lowest in the country, the opposite extreme from Meghalaya.

Concept: The Census measures the decadal (10-year) population growth rate — the percentage change in a State's population between two Census years, driven by natural increase (births minus deaths) and net migration. Between 2001 and 2011, several North-Eastern hill States and some high-fertility mainland States grew fastest, while States further along the demographic transition (lower fertility, more urbanised or migrant-sending) grew slowest.

State PCS 2022 Q51 — Geography PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2022 Q51 — Geography PYQ with Answer