Odisha Sex Ratio | Orissa Population | Literacy

According to Census 2011 data, the population of Odisha sex ratio is 4.2 crore, up from 3.68 crore in the 2001 census. Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and ancient temples. However, there is a disturbing trend in the state’s demographics – a skewed sex ratio that indicates systemic discrimination against women.

Year	Projected Population
2023	4.79 Crores	47,920,000
2022	4.75 Crores	47,500,000
2021	4.70 Crores	47,020,000
2011	4.20 Crores	41,974,218

According to the 2011 census data, Odisha has a sex ratio of just 978 females per 1000 males. This is lower than the national average of 943. The child sex ratio of Odisha stands at an alarming 934 girls per 1000 boys. What do these statistics imply? There are fewer women and girls compared to men and boys, pointing towards the undervaluing of female lives. Several factors are responsible for the low and declining sex ratio in the state. These include:

• Long-standing patriarchal social norms that favor male children over females
• Rampant female feticide and infanticide due to son preference
• Higher mortality rates among women due to lack of healthcare access and gender-based violence
• Poverty and malnutrition disproportionately affect women and girls

The Odisha government has taken some steps to counter this, such as awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of laws against sex-selective abortions. However, changing deep-rooted mindsets remains a challenge. More concerted efforts are required to empower the women of Odisha and enable them to realize their full potential. Policy interventions targeting gender-equal access to education, nutrition, and healthcare can help reverse the sex ratio imbalance. Grassroots and community-level activism also have a crucial role to play in transforming social attitudes. A fairer sex ratio is not just about statistics – it impacts real lives and the state’s socio-economic development. As long as women are undervalued, Odisha cannot unleash the skills and capacities of half its population. This sex ratio gap indicates how far Odisha needs to travel towards gender justice and equity.

Orissa Population 2023: Current Number of Residents

The last official census of Orissa was conducted in 2011. The population at that time was over 4.19 crore (41.9 million). The 2021 census was postponed and is now expected to take place in 2024. Current estimates put Orissa’s population in 2023 at around 4.79 crore (47.9 million) residents.

Orissa Literacy Rate: Upward Trend to 72.87%

The literacy rate in Orissa has increased steadily over time. As of the 2011 census, the overall literacy rate was 72.87%. More recent government estimates indicate the literacy rate is likely to continue to rise through 2021. This positive trend reflects growing access to education across the state.

Orissa’s Gender Ratio Higher Than India’s Average

According to the most recent census data from 2011-2021, Orissa has a higher gender ratio compared to the national Indian average. This indicates a good balance of males to females residing in the state. Sustaining this ratio demonstrates positive social and economic conditions for the people of Orissa.