The correct answer is: a) Lower than the national average.
The sex ratio in Meghalaya is 963 females per 1000 males, which is lower than the national average of 940 females per 1000 males. This means that there are fewer females than males in Meghalaya.
There are a number of reasons for this, including female infanticide, sex-selective abortion, and the practice of dowry. Female infanticide is the practice of killing female infants at birth or shortly after. Sex-selective abortion is the practice of aborting female fetuses. Dowry is a payment made by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage.
All of these practices contribute to the low sex ratio in Meghalaya. Female infanticide and sex-selective abortion are often carried out because parents prefer to have sons. Dowry can also lead to female infanticide and sex-selective abortion, as families may feel that they cannot afford to raise a daughter if they have to pay a large dowry.
The low sex ratio in Meghalaya has a number of negative consequences. It can lead to social isolation for women, as they may be seen as less valuable than men. It can also lead to a shortage of women in the workforce, which can impact the economy.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the low sex ratio in Meghalaya. These include raising awareness of the issue, providing education and support to women, and enacting laws that prohibit female infanticide, sex-selective abortion, and dowry.