Chhattisgarh: Populations & Census | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Chhattisgarh Populations

Size and Density of Population

• The state of Chhattisgarh, as per the 2011 census, has a total population of 25,545,198, which represents 2.04% of India's total population. In terms of population, Chhattisgarh ranks as the 17th largest state in India.
• The annual population growth rate in Chhattisgarh was 1.67% between 1991 and 2001, slightly lower than the national average of 1.93%.
• The population density in Chhattisgarh stands at 189 persons per square kilometer, contrasting with the national average of 324 persons per square kilometer as per the 2011 census.
• There are significant population disparities among various districts in Chhattisgarh. Raipur emerges as the most populous district, followed by Durg, while Kawardha (also known as Kabirdham) registers as the least populated district.
• Despite Chhattisgarh's lower population density of 189 compared to the national average of 324 persons per square kilometer, certain districts exhibit higher densities. For instance:
• Janjgir-Champa and Durg districts boast densities exceeding the national average of 324 persons per square kilometer.
• Conversely, Dantewada district has the lowest population density in the state, with only 41 persons per square kilometer.

Rural-Urban Distribution

• In Chhattisgarh, 23.24% of the population resides in urban areas, totaling 5,936,538 individuals, with 3,035,401 males and 2,901,137 females. Over the past decade, the urban population has grown by 41.83%. The sex ratio in urban regions is 956 females for every 1,000 males, and for children aged 0-6, the ratio is 932 girls per 1,000 boys. The urban child population (0-6 years) is 717,554, making up 12.09% of the urban population. The average literacy rate in urban areas is 84.79%, with male literacy at 91.63% and female literacy at 77.65%, totaling 4,425,077 literates.
• In contrast, 76.76% of Chhattisgarh's population lives in rural areas, amounting to 19,603,658 people, with 9,792,514 males and 9,811,144 females. The rural population growth rate from 2001 to 2011 was 17.75%. The sex ratio in rural regions is 1,002 females per 1,000 males, and for children aged 0-6, the ratio is 972 girls per 1,000 boys. There are 2,866,474 children in this age group in rural areas, representing 14.62% of the rural population. The literacy rate in rural Chhattisgarh is 78.20% for males and 55.40% for females.

Sex Ratio in Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh is home to over 13 million males and 12.9 million females, representing 2.11% of India's total population. The state boasts one of the most balanced sex ratios in the country, with 991 females for every 1,000 males, and a child sex ratio of 964 females per 1,000 males, according to the 2011 Census. 
• The highest sex ratios are observed in the tribal districts, with rural areas recording a sex ratio of 1,002 and urban areas 956. Rajnandgaon and Bastar districts have the highest sex ratio at 1,024, while Koria district has the lowest.
• The 0-6 age group population in Chhattisgarh is 3,584,028, consisting of 1,824,987 male children and 1,759,041 female children. Over the past decade, the child sex ratio has declined from 975 to 969, with rural areas having a child sex ratio of 977 and urban areas 937.

Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Population

• Chhattisgarh has one of the highest proportions of Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations in the country, apart from the hilly states of the north-east, accounting for about 10% of the STs in India. Scheduled Castes (SCs) and STs together make up more than half of the state's population. The tribal communities, who are a significant part of the population, predominantly reside in the dense forests of Bastar and other districts in southern Chhattisgarh.
• As per the 2001 census, the Scheduled Caste population in Chhattisgarh was 2,418,722, representing 11.6% of the total population of 20,833,803. This proportion increased to 12.8% by 2011. During the decade from 2001 to 2011, the tribal population saw an 18.23% growth rate. The tribal population made up 30.62% of the state's total population, slightly down from 31.76% in 2001.

Literacy Rate

• Chhattisgarh's literacy rate hovers slightly below the national average. The state recorded a literacy rate of 71% as of the 2011 Census, with 81.4% for males and 60.5% for females, closely resembling the national rate of 74%.
• Notably, Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Chhattisgarh exhibited better literacy rates compared to the national averages during the period of NSS (2007-2008).
• However, the state faces challenges, particularly with marginalized groups, where STs are situated at the bottom, indicating significant social development gaps. Districts like Bastar and Dantewada in southern Chhattisgarh stand out for their high illiteracy rates and dropout ratios, attributed to severe rural poverty.

Working Population

• The Chhattisgarh State's working population distribution reveals that 46.57% of individuals were part of the workforce according to the 2001 census. Among them, 52.97% were male and 40.03% were female.
• Alarmingly, more than half of the population does not engage in productive activities or contribute to production, indicating a significant dependent population.
• The workforce composition includes 44.57% cultivators, 33.88% agricultural laborers, and 2.08% engaged in family industries, based on the 2001 census data.
• The proportion of children aged 0-6 years stands at 16.68% of the total population in Chhattisgarh. Districts like Dantewada and Sarguja exhibit higher percentages of children in this age group.
• Overall, the characteristics of the working population in Chhattisgarh suggest a need for enhanced quality of life and increased participation in productive activities to drive socio-economic development.

Chhattisgarh Census

Census provides valuable insights into the population dynamics and aids in policy-making. Let's delve into the demographic data of Chhattisgarh from the last two censuses to understand the state's population structure.

After its establishment in 2001, Chhattisgarh has undergone two census exercises, offering valuable insights into its population dynamics. These statistics are crucial for understanding the demographic landscape and formulating informed policies for the state's development.

Population Growth

• Chhattisgarh accounts for approximately 2.11% of India's total population, up slightly from 2.03% in 2001. This suggests that the state's population is growing at a faster rate compared to other states in the country. 
• Supporting this is the fact that Chhattisgarh's population growth rate is 22.61% higher than the national average.

Sex Ratio

• The sex ratio in Chhattisgarh is better than in most other Indian states, having improved from 1989 to 1991 per 1,000 males in 2011.

Literacy

• One of the state's strong points is its literacy rate, which stands at 70.28%, comparable to many other states. 
• The previous census recorded a literacy rate of 64.66%, indicating significant progress in education.

Population Density

• Chhattisgarh's population density is lower than the national average of 382, currently at 189 people per square kilometer. 
• This is largely due to the state's extensive forest coverage.