According to 2011 census, which of the following states has the lowest child sex-ratio both in Rural and Urban areas?

The correct answer is C) Haryana. The question asks for the lowest child sex ratio (0-6 years) in 2011 in both rural and urban areas. Haryana's overall child sex ratio in Census 2011 was about 834 girls per 1000 boys, the lowest among all states and UTs. Its rural and urban figures are also the lowest among the four options.

• Kerala (B): Its child sex ratio is above 960, one of the highest in India, so it is clearly not the lowest.
• Uttar Pradesh (A): It is around 899, which is low by national standards but well above Haryana.
• Jammu and Kashmir (D): It is around 859, higher than Haryana in both rural and urban areas.

The core concept is the child sex ratio as an indicator of son preference and sex-selective practices, which the PC and PNDT Act, 1994 (and the 2003 amendment) tries to control. This links to the Mains theme of social issues, women's empowerment and the effects of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, launched in 2015. Note that Census 2011 is the reference here. Later NFHS and SRS data have shown changes, so use the 2011 numbers for this question.

Trap: Aspirants often pick Uttar Pradesh because it is the most populous state with a poor overall sex ratio. Check the child (0-6) ratio, not the overall ratio, and compare the specific states given.