Changes in select attributes of scheduled population in Himachal Pradesh 1971 2011 a geographical study

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh has recorded significant changes in the attributes of scheduled population during 1971-2011. Among the neighbouring states, in terms of the proportion of the scheduled population to total population the state stands at first rank. The declining trend in decadal growth rate of scheduled population has been experienced by the state after it got its full-fledged statehood status in 1971. In Himachal Pradesh, the growth of the scheduled population was 21.44 per cent in 2001- 2011 (national average of 21.90 per cent) census as compared to 37.31 per cent in 1971-81. The sex ratio of scheduled population in Himachal Pradesh has increased from 957 females per thousand males in 1971 to 978 females per thousand males in the year 2011. However it is higher than the national average. The literacy rate of scheduled population in Himachal Pradesh was high as compared to national average and neighbouring states. The literacy rate of scheduled population has shown a perceptible change during 1971-2011. The work force of the scheduled population is higher than the national average and Himachal Pradesh stands first among the neighbouring states. The scheduled population of the state has progressed significantly in terms of proportion of workers to total population for the past four decades. Changes in the index value of the three variables of the proportion of non-agricultural workers, total literacy, and female literacy during 1971- 2011, the analysis reveals that in the state, the level of social transformation of the scheduled population and scheduled caste population was lower than the scheduled tribe population. newline