The correct answer is: a) Lower than the national average.
The sex ratio in Meghalaya is 947 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 gender imbalance. One reason is that female foeticide is a common practice in Meghalaya. Female foeticide is the practice of aborting female foetuses, and it is often done because families prefer to have sons. Another reason for the gender imbalance is that there is a high rate of maternal mortality in Meghalaya. Maternal mortality is the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of childbirth. The high rate of maternal mortality is due to a number of factors, including poor access to healthcare, malnutrition, and lack of education.
The gender imbalance in Meghalaya has a number of negative consequences. One consequence is that it leads to a shortage of women in the workforce. This shortage of women can make it difficult for businesses to find employees, and it can also lead to higher wages for women. Another consequence of the gender imbalance is that it can lead to social problems, such as violence against women and trafficking of women.
The government of Meghalaya has taken a number of steps to address the gender imbalance in the state. One step is to increase awareness of the problem of female foeticide. Another step is to improve access to healthcare for women. The government has also launched a number of programs to empower women, such as the Self-Help Group (SHG) program. The SHG program provides financial assistance and training to women, and it has helped to improve the lives of many women in Meghalaya.
Despite the efforts of the government, the gender imbalance in Meghalaya remains a serious problem. It is important to continue to raise awareness of the problem and to take steps to address it.