Previous Year Question
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Decade — Decadal growth rate of population (in percent)
1971-81 — 24.66
1981-91 — 23.87
1991-2001 — 21.54
2001-2011 — 19.05
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
The historical Census growth figures show that the first three pairs are correct—
1971-1981 → 24.66%
1981-1991 → 23.87%
1991-2001 → 21.54%
However, 2001-2011 → 19.05% is incorrect. The provisional Census 2011 figures recorded India's decadal population growth at about 17.64%. Therefore, the pair showing 19.05% is not correctly matched.
The long-term trend is also important. From 1971-81 to 2001-11, India's decadal population growth rate declined progressively—
24.66% → 23.87% → 21.54% → about 17.7%
This does not mean that India's population was declining. It means that the population continued to increase, but at a slower rate of growth.
For example, India's population increased from about 1.0287 billion in 2001 to about 1.2109 billion in 2011. Thus, the absolute population rose by more than 180 million even though the percentage growth rate declined.
There is also a useful data distinction. The provisional Census 2011 figure was 17.64%, while calculations based on final population figures are commonly presented at around 17.70%. In either case, 19.05% remains incorrect.