The correct answer is: a) Significantly lower than the national average.
The sex ratio in Arunachal Pradesh is 914 females per 1000 males, which is significantly lower than the national average of 940 females per 1000 males. This means that there are 26 fewer females for every 1000 males in Arunachal Pradesh.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the low sex ratio in Arunachal Pradesh. One factor is the practice of female infanticide, which is the killing of female babies at birth. Another factor is the preference for sons over daughters, which can lead to neglect and abuse of female children. Finally, the lack of access to education and healthcare for girls can also contribute to the low sex ratio.
The low sex ratio in Arunachal Pradesh has a number of negative consequences. It can lead to a shortage of women in the workforce, which can impact the economy. It can also lead to social problems, such as an increase in crime and violence. Finally, it can have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of women and girls.
The government of Arunachal Pradesh has taken a number of steps to address the low sex ratio. These include:
- Cracking down on the practice of female infanticide
- Promoting education and healthcare for girls
- Providing financial incentives for families to have more daughters
- Raising awareness of the issue of the low sex ratio
These measures have had some success in increasing the sex ratio in Arunachal Pradesh. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the state.