The correct answer is: a) Lower than the national average.
The sex ratio in Meghalaya is 948 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 factors that could contribute to this lower sex ratio, including female infanticide, sex-selective abortion, and migration. Female infanticide is the practice of killing female babies at birth or shortly after. Sex-selective abortion is the practice of aborting female fetuses. Migration is the movement of people from one place to another.
Female infanticide and sex-selective abortion are both illegal in India, but they continue to occur in some parts of the country, including Meghalaya. These practices are often motivated by a desire to have a son, who is seen as being more valuable than a daughter.
Migration can also affect the sex ratio in a region. If more men than women migrate to a particular area, the sex ratio in that area will be lower. This is because there will be fewer women available to marry, which can lead to an increase in the number of unmarried men.
The lower sex ratio in Meghalaya is a cause for concern. It is important to address the factors that are contributing to this issue in order to ensure that all girls and women have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives.