Which Indian state recorded negative population growth between 2001-2011?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Nagaland.
The Indian state that recorded negative population growth between the 2001 and 2011 censuses is Nagaland.
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Nagaland was the only state in India to register a negative decadal population growth rate of -0.58% during the 2001–2011 period.
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The actual population figure decreased from approximately 19.9 lakh in 2001 to 19.78 lakh in 2011.
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This surprising decline is largely attributed to the State Government’s efforts to correct a historical exaggeration of population figures reported in the previous 2001 Census, which were likely inflated to secure higher financial allocations.
Analysis of Other Options:
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Kerala is known for its low growth rate but remained positive, recording a decadal growth of 4.91% (the lowest positive growth among major states), due to high literacy and successful family planning.
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Punjab also recorded a low but positive decadal growth of 13.89%.
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Himachal Pradesh recorded a positive decadal growth of 12.94%.
This makes Nagaland a unique outlier in India's demographic history for that decade.