Previous Year Question
The State which recorded the minimum population growth rate during 1991-2001 is—
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
West Bengal
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Kerala.
During 1991-2001, Kerala recorded the lowest decadal population growth rate among the four options at 9.43%. During the same decade, the growth rates were 11.72% in Tamil Nadu, 14.59% in Andhra Pradesh and 17.77% in West Bengal.
Thus, the comparison is—
Kerala 9.43% < Tamil Nadu 11.72% < Andhra Pradesh 14.59% < West Bengal 17.77%
The decadal population growth rate measures the percentage increase or decrease in population between two successive Censuses over a ten-year period. Therefore, the question concerns percentage change, not the absolute size of population.
Kerala's relatively low growth can be understood in the context of its demographic transition, including comparatively low fertility, higher literacy, health development and other social-development indicators.
For examination purposes—
1991-2001, among given options → Kerala lowest (9.43%)
2001-2011, among same options → Kerala lowest (~4.9%)
2001-2011, among all States → Nagaland -0.58%