DEMOGRAPHY OF RAJASTHAN

DEMOGRAPHY OF RAJASTHAN

History of the Census

The history of the population census in India can be traced across various historical periods:

• Ancient Period: The concept of population census finds roots in ancient India, as mentioned in Arthashastra, written by Chanakya during the Maurya period. Chanakya emphasized population data collection for effective administration.
• Medieval Period: In the Mughal period, the text Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazl documented the population, resources, and economy of Akbar’s empire.
• Modern Period: The modern system of census-taking in India began under British rule, with the first census conducted in 1872 by Lord Mayo. The systematic and decadal census, as it exists today, started in 1881 during the tenure of Lord Ripon.

Important Milestones:

• 1948: The Population Census Act was passed to regulate census operations.
• 1993: The National Population Commission was established to monitor population growth and provide strategic direction.
• The census is a subject under the Union List, included in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution. It is conducted by the Census Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Census 2011: Key Details

The 2011 Census of India marks the 15th census conducted serially and the 14th settled/decadal census. This census is the 7th after India’s independence and the 2nd of the 21st century. The total budget for the 2011 census was ₹2200 crores, and the cost per person was ₹18.19.

• Total Districts Included: The 2011 census covered 640 districts, of which 33 districts were in Rajasthan.
• Census Mascot: The mascot for the census was the Lady Enumerator.
• Census Motto: “Our Census, Our Future.”

Important Facts from Census 2011:

1. National Population Register was created for the first time.
2. House listing was done for the first time.
3. Transgender population was included for the first time in the census and counted under the male category.

Phases of Census 2011

The 2011 Census was conducted in two phases:

• Phase I: 15th May to 30th June 2010
• Phase II: 9th February to 28th February 2011

TOTAL POPULATION OF RAJASTHAN

According to the 2011 Census, the total population of Rajasthan was 6.85 crores, with a male population of 51.86% and a female population of 48.14%.

Total Population of India: 121.085 crore

Rajasthan’s Population Contribution: Rajasthan accounts for 5.67% of India’s total population and approximately 1% of the world’s population.

• Rajasthan’s Population Ranking: As of 2011, Rajasthan held the 8th position in terms of population in India. However, more recent estimates suggest that Rajasthan now holds the 7th position.
• Child Population (0-6 years): The population of children aged 0-6 years in Rajasthan stands at 15.54% of the total population.

Population Distribution of Rajasthan (2011 Census)

Population Growth Rate of Rajasthan

The population growth rate in Rajasthan during the 2011 Census period was 21.30%. This rate highlights the significant demographic changes and regional differences in growth across various districts in the state.

Population Growth Rate by District

The table above showcases the disparities in growth rates, with Barmer leading with the highest population growth rate of 32.5%, reflecting rapid expansion possibly due to migration, urbanization, and economic activities. Conversely, Sri Ganganagar saw the lowest growth rate at 10%, likely due to factors such as out-migration or lower fertility rates.

Summary of Rajasthan’s Population Characteristics:

• Total Population: 6.85 crore (male: 51.86%, female: 48.14%).
• Population Growth Rate: 21.30%, varying significantly by region.
• Child Population (0-6 years): 15.54%.
• Key Districts: Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Alwar have the highest populations, while Jaisalmer and Pratapgarh are among the least populated regions.

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION DIAGRAMS

The above bar charts depict the population distribution across districts of Rajasthan as per the 2011 Census.

• Maximum Population Distribution: The top five districts with the highest population include Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Nagaur, and Udaipur. Jaipur leads with a population of 66.26 lakhs, while Udaipur has 30.68 lakhs.
• Minimum Population Distribution: The districts with the lowest population include Jaisalmer, Pratapgarh, Sirohi, Bundi, and Rajsamand. Jaisalmer has the lowest population with 6.69 lakhs, and Rajsamand has 11.56 lakhs.

These charts help illustrate the variation in population densities across different regions in Rajasthan, reflecting urbanization trends, regional development, and demographic factors.

1. Rural and Urban Population Growth Rate in Rajasthan

The population growth rate in Rajasthan shows significant disparities between rural and urban areas, with some districts experiencing much higher growth than others.

Maximum Population Growth Rate:

• Rural:
  • Jaisalmer
  • Barmer
  • Banswara
• Urban:
  • Alwar
  • Dausa
  • Baran

Minimum Population Growth Rate:

• Rural:
  • Kota
  • Sri Ganganagar
  • Jhunjhunu
• Urban:
  • Dungarpur
  • Pratapgarh
  • Hanumangarh
    

Significant Historical Context:

• The decade with the highest negative growth in Rajasthan was 1911-1921, where the population decreased by 6.29%. This was primarily due to:
  1. Plague epidemic (disease)
  2. The effects of World War I
  3. Public movements during the period
• Highest population growth rate was recorded between 1971-1981 at 32.97%, and the highest population growth in terms of absolute numbers occurred between 1991-2001.

2. Population Density of Rajasthan (2011 Census)

Population density is an essential indicator of how populated or sparsely populated a region is. Rajasthan, with vast stretches of desert, has a unique population density profile.

Population Density Highlights:

• Average Population Density of Rajasthan: 200 persons per square kilometer
  

Districts with Maximum Population Density

Districts with Minimum Population Density

The districts with higher population density, such as Jaipur and Bharatpur, are part of more urbanized or semi-urbanized regions with better infrastructure and employment opportunities. In contrast, districts like Jaisalmer and Bikaner have extremely low population density due to harsh environmental conditions (Thar Desert), resulting in sparse settlement.

• Districts with Population Density Less than 100: Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer.
• The desert districts of West Rajasthan have the lowest population densities, which is expected due to the arid conditions and limited resources for large population support.

3. Sex Ratio in Rajasthan (2011 Census)

The sex ratio, defined as the number of females per thousand males, is a crucial demographic indicator that reflects gender balance in a region. 

• Overall Average Sex Ratio of Rajasthan: 928 females per 1000 males
  

Districts with Maximum Sex Ratio

Districts with Minimum Sex Ratio

• Rural Sex Ratio: 933 females per 1000 males
• Urban Sex Ratio: 914 females per 1000 males

The districts with a high sex ratio, such as Dungarpur and Rajsamand, have more balanced gender ratios, which may be attributed to lower out-migration and better socio-economic conditions for women. On the other hand, districts like Dholpur and Jaisalmer have a low sex ratio, potentially due to higher male-dominated migration patterns, lower female literacy, or cultural factors.

Reasons Behind Maximum and Minimum Sex Ratios:

• Maximum Sex Ratio:
  • Low per capita income
  • Traditional joint family structures
  • Dowry system not prevalent
• Minimum Sex Ratio:
  • High literacy rate
  • More income (resulting in nuclear families)
  • Dowry system in practice
  • Technical advancements

4. Child Sex Ratio in Rajasthan (2011 Census)

The child sex ratio refers to the number of females per thousand males in the age group of 0-6 years. It is a critical demographic indicator that reflects societal attitudes toward the female child.

• Overall Child Sex Ratio of Rajasthan: 892 females per 1000 males
  

Districts with Maximum Child SexRatio

Districts with Minimum Child Sex Ratio:

• Rural Child Sex Ratio: 892
• Urban Child Sex Ratio: 874

Key Observations:

1. The child sex ratio in all districts of Rajasthan is less than 1000.
2. Rajasthan’s average child sex ratio of 892 is lower than the national average, reflecting a significant gender imbalance in the 0-6 age group.
3. Nagaur, Bikaner, and Bhilwara record the highest child sex ratios in urban areas, while Dholpur, Ganganagar, and Dausa have some of the lowest figures.
4. 12 districts in Rajasthan have a below-average child sex ratio.

The data highlights gender disparities, particularly in rural areas where socio-economic factors, cultural practices, and preference for male children have adversely affected the female child population. Efforts to improve gender equality in Rajasthan are ongoing, but the low child sex ratio reflects deep-rooted societal biases.

5. Literacy Rate in Rajasthan (2011 Census)

Literacy, defined as the ability to read and write, is a critical component of human development. In Rajasthan, the literacy rate is significantly influenced by gender and rural-urban divides.

• Overall Literacy Rate of Rajasthan: 66.1%
  

Districts with Maximum Literacy Rate

Districts with Minimum Literacy Rate

• Male Literacy Rate: 79.2%
• Female Literacy Rate: 52.1%

Male Literacy Rate (Districts with Highest and Lowest)

Female Literacy Rate (Districts with Highest and Lowest)

• Rural Literacy Rate: 61.4%
• Urban Literacy Rate: 79.7%

Rural and Urban Literacy Divide:

• Maximum Rural Literacy: Jhunjhunu (73.3%)
• Minimum Rural Literacy: Sirohi (49.0%)
• Maximum Urban Literacy: Udaipur (87.5%)
• Minimum Urban Literacy: Jalore (71.1%)

Observations:

• The male literacy rate is significantly higher than the female literacy rate, creating a gender literacy gap of over 27%.
• Districts like Jhunjhunu, Jaipur, and Kota lead in literacy rates, while Jalore, Sirohi, and Barmer rank the lowest, indicating challenges in providing education to remote and rural regions.
• There is a marked divide between rural and urban literacy, with urban areas like Udaipur reaching 87.5% literacy, while rural districts like Sirohi struggle with a literacy rate below 50%.

The literacy data showcases the educational challenges that Rajasthan faces, particularly in rural areas and among women. Although strides have been made in raising literacy rates, there is a need for continued efforts to bridge the gender gap and improve access to education in underserved regions. Education is key to socio-economic development, and reducing the rural-urban and gender disparities in literacy will contribute to more balanced regional growth.

6. Rural and Urban Population in Rajasthan (2011 Census)

The division between rural and urban populations is a vital indicator of development patterns. Rajasthan remains predominantly rural, although urbanization has gradually increased.

• Total Rural Population: 5.15 crore
• Total Urban Population: 1.70 crore
  

Districts with Maximum and Minimum Rural Population

Districts with Maximum and Minimum Urban Population

• Rural Population Share: 75.1%
• Urban Population Share: 24.9%

Observations:

• Maximum Rural Population: Dungarpur district, where rural life is dominant due to agrarian dependence and tribal settlements.
• Minimum Rural Population: Kota, a rapidly urbanizing district known for its industrial growth and educational hub status.
• Maximum Urban Population: Kota district, representing urban growth and migration toward cities.
• Minimum Urban Population: Dungarpur, where tribal populations are predominant, and urban infrastructure is less developed.

Rajasthan’s demographic structure shows a significant rural population, which still forms over three-quarters of the total populace. Urbanization is more prominent in districts like Jaipur, Kota, and Jodhpur, where industrialization, education, and employment opportunities have fostered rapid urban growth. On the other hand, districts such as Jaisalmer and Pratapgarh remain largely rural due to geographical and developmental factors.

7. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan (2011 Census)

Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are integral to understanding Rajasthan’s socio-demographic landscape, with unique cultural, social, and economic challenges.

Key Statistics:

• Percentage of SC Population: 17.8%
• Percentage of ST Population: 13.5%
• SC Population (Absolute Numbers): 122.21 lakh
• ST Population (Absolute Numbers): 92.38 lakh
  

Districts with Maximum and Minimum SC Population

Districts with Maximum and Minimum ST Population

• Lowest SC Population Percentage: Sri Ganganagar
• Lowest ST Population Percentage: Bikaner and Nagaur
• Sex Ratio for SC Population: 923 females per 1000 males
• Sex Ratio for ST Population: 948 females per 1000 males

Observations:

• Maximum SC Population: Jaipur, a major urban and industrial hub, has the highest concentration of Scheduled Castes.
• Maximum ST Population: Udaipur, a tribal-dominated region, leads in terms of tribal population.
• Minimum SC Population: Dungarpur, predominantly a tribal region, has the least SC representation.
• Minimum ST Population: Bikaner and Nagaur, arid districts with limited tribal populations, have the lowest ST percentages.

Rajasthan’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are concentrated in different regions, reflecting the state’s diverse social structure. The ST population is notably high in districts like Udaipur and Banswara, which have significant tribal settlements, while the SC population is more concentrated in urban centers like Jaipur and Alwar. The data also highlights the disparities in sex ratios between SC and ST populations, with the ST sex ratio being relatively higher.

8. Rural-Urban Literacy Gap and Female-Male Literacy in Rajasthan

Rural Female-Male Literacy Rate:

• Male Rural Literacy: 76.2%
• Female Rural Literacy: 45.8%

Urban Female-Male Literacy Rate:

• Male Urban Literacy: 87.9%
• Female Urban Literacy: 70.7%

Key Observations:

• The literacy rate has decreased in districts like Barmer and Churu, while other districts have shown improvements.
• Jhunjhunu leads with the highest rural literacy rate for both males and females, while Sirohi lags behind, particularly in female literacy.
• Urban literacy is considerably higher, with Udaipur showing the highest male and female literacy rates, while Dholpur and Jalore struggle with low female literacy rates.

There is a wide gap in literacy between rural and urban areas in Rajasthan, as well as between males and females. Female literacy is particularly low in rural districts like Sirohi and Jalore, where socio-economic barriers and cultural norms still hinder educational access for women. Urban areas like Udaipur show better literacy rates, driven by better access to educational infrastructure. Addressing this literacy gap is critical for promoting inclusive socio-economic development across the state.

8. Population of Different Religions in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a state with a diverse religious population. According to the census data, the state is predominantly Hindu, followed by Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Christian, and Buddhist communities.

Religious Composition of Rajasthan (2011 Census)

Key Observations:

• Hindu Majority: Hindus make up 88.49% of the total population, with the highest concentration in Dausa. Jaipur, as a major urban center, also has the highest Hindu population in absolute numbers.
• Muslim Population: Muslims account for 9.07% of the population, with the highest population in Jaipur. However, Jaisalmer has the highest percentage of Muslims.
• Sikh Population: The Sikh population is predominantly concentrated in Sri Ganganagar, which also has the highest percentage of Sikhs at 1.27%.
• Jain Community: Jains form a small minority in Rajasthan, comprising 0.91% of the population. The community is primarily centered in Jaipur and Udaipur.
• Christian Community: Christians make up 0.14% of the population, with the highest concentration in Banswara.
• Buddhist Population: The Buddhist community is the smallest in the state, forming just 0.02% of the population, with Alwar having both the highest population and percentage of Buddhists.

Population Policy of Rajasthan (January 20, 2000)

Rajasthan adopted a population policy on January 20, 2000, aimed at addressing various demographic challenges, promoting family planning, and improving health infrastructure. The policy was designed to achieve sustainable population growth, improve literacy and healthcare, and address the socio-economic disparities in different religious and social groups.

Textual Explanation: The data reflects the religious diversity of Rajasthan, where Hindus form the overwhelming majority. However, there is significant representation of other religious communities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Jains. Rajasthan’s religious composition is intertwined with its cultural and historical fabric, with each community contributing to the state’s unique identity.

Objectives of Rajasthan’s Population Policy (2000)

1. Stabilization of Population Growth: The core aim was to achieve population stabilization by limiting the Total Fertility Rate (TFR). The policy targeted reducing the TFR to 2.1 children per woman by 2016, bringing Rajasthan in line with the national replacement level fertility rate.
2. Reduction in Infant and Maternal Mortality: The policy emphasized lowering Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). Specifically, the state aimed to reduce IMR to 60 per 1,000 live births and MMR to 200 per 100,000 live births by 2016.
3. Improvement of Health Infrastructure: The policy sought to strengthen Rajasthan’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. By improving access to family planning services, maternal and child healthcare, and immunization, the policy aimed to improve overall health outcomes.
4. Empowerment of Women: Recognizing the crucial role of women in population control, the policy emphasized women’s empowerment, with a focus on improving female literacy, reproductive health, and access to contraception. Promoting girls’ education was seen as a key factor in reducing fertility rates.
5. Promotion of Family Planning: The policy promoted family planning programs, encouraging the adoption of modern contraceptive methods. The state aimed to expand the availability of birth control methods and ensure greater access to these services, especially in underserved areas.
6. Addressing Child Marriage: Child marriage has long been a concern in Rajasthan, where traditional practices contribute to early childbearing and high fertility rates. The policy set goals to prevent child marriage and promote delayed age at marriage, advocating that the minimum age of marriage should be strictly enforced as 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
7. Encouraging Smaller Families: A central component of the policy was to spread awareness of the benefits of small family norms through media campaigns, community programs, and health education. The policy sought to shift public perception toward two-child families as the ideal.
8. Incentive Schemes: The policy introduced incentive schemes for families adopting permanent methods of family planning. Incentives were also given to panchayats and community leaders who contributed to population stabilization efforts.

Key Strategies in the Population Policy

1. Expansion of Family Welfare Programs: The policy prioritized the expansion of family welfare programs and clinics, ensuring that even the remotest areas had access to family planning services and healthcare.
2. Involvement of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): The government collaborated with NGOs and community-based organizations to promote population control measures, create awareness, and mobilize communities to adopt family planning.
3. Focus on High-Fertility Districts: Specific focus was placed on high-fertility districts such as Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Dholpur, which were lagging in fertility control and family planning adoption.
4. Public Health Campaigns: Extensive public health campaigns were conducted to raise awareness about family planning, safe motherhood, and the health benefits of smaller families. These campaigns included the use of mass media, print, and digital platforms to reach people.
5. Integration with Education: A strong link was established between education and population control. Efforts were made to improve female literacy, as educated women tend to marry later, have fewer children, and are more likely to access healthcare.
6. Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions: Local governance bodies like Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were empowered to take active roles in promoting population control and reproductive health services. They were tasked with monitoring population growth at the village level and implementing relevant schemes.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite the policy’s well-defined objectives, the implementation faced several challenges:

• Cultural Barriers: Rajasthan’s deeply entrenched traditional values, including the preference for larger families and son preference, often impeded family planning initiatives. In rural areas, high fertility was viewed as a sign of prosperity and social security.
• Gender Inequality: The state’s low female literacy rate, patriarchal norms, and poor access to reproductive healthcare for women posed significant challenges in achieving the policy’s goals of empowering women.
• Low Contraceptive Usage: Despite increased availability, the adoption of modern contraceptive methods remained low in some districts due to myths, religious beliefs, and lack of awareness.
• Healthcare Infrastructure: While improving healthcare infrastructure was a goal, Rajasthan, particularly its rural and tribal areas, continued to experience shortages of healthcare workers, resources, and facilities.

Outcomes of the Population Policy

By 2016, Rajasthan made some progress towards its population goals:

• Decline in Fertility Rate: The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of Rajasthan declined from 4.0 children per woman in 1991 to 2.9 children per woman by 2016, although this was still above the national target of 2.1.
• Improvement in Female Literacy: Female literacy rates saw an increase due to focused education policies, which also had a positive effect on family planning.
• Reduction in IMR and MMR: Significant reductions were observed in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), though the state still lagged behind national averages.
• Increased Use of Contraceptives: Contraceptive usage gradually increased, although there was still a need for greater awareness and adoption in remote areas.

Rajasthan’s Population Policy (2000) was a forward-thinking initiative aimed at achieving population stabilization and improving public health outcomes. While the state made substantial progress, challenges such as cultural barriers, gender inequality, and infrastructure gaps persisted, making it difficult to achieve all of the policy’s ambitious goals. Nonetheless, the policy laid the groundwork for future population management efforts and set the stage for more inclusive development in the state.