Trends in demographic variation in the regions of Punjab.

This report presents a demographic and socioeconomic profile of the following regions in Punjab state India: Majha Doaba and Malwa. Data were obtained from interviews conducted by the investigator among a sample from 6 villages in Gurdaspur Jalandhar and Ludhiana districts. Fertility and mortality data were obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Majha had the highest proportion of children aged under 15 years (37.9%). Doaba had the highest proportion of those aged over 60 years. The sex ratio favored males. During 1981-91 the sex ratio declined in Majha and improved in Doaba. The dependency ratio was significantly lower in Doaba and highest in Malwa. Dependency ratios declined during 1981-91 in all regions. The sample included 35.4% who were Jat 34.2% who were scheduled caste and 28.1% who were backward caste. During 1981-91 the percentages increased in the all regions by 10.1% 6.8% and 3.2% respectively by caste. Sikhs were 73.5% of the sample. Sikhs increased to 26.7% of Majha population 25.7% of Malwa population and 14.2% of Doaba population. The Hindu population decreased in the 3 regions. The percentage of unmarried females declined. The total literacy rate increased. 28.8% were engaged in work. Workers were highest in Majha (33.8%). Most workers in Doaba were laborers followed by agriculturists. Most workers in Majha and Malwa were government or private service holders. The highest birthrate was in Majha (25.2) followed by Malwa (20.8) and Doaba (15.0). Mortality was highest in Doaba (8.97) followed by Malwa (8.71) and Majha (8.45). Population declined in all regions.