Telangana family size shrinks to 3.16 average
HYDERABAD: Family size in Telangana is declining, with smaller households becoming more common, according to the state’s Socio-Economic and Caste Survey.
The average family size stands at 3.16. Across social groups, it ranges from 2.9 to 3.5. Families increasingly consist of a couple and one child, replacing earlier trends of larger households.
Among communities, the average family size is lowest among Open Category (OC) groups at 2.9. It is 3.1 among Backward Classes (BCs), 3.2 among Scheduled Castes (SCs), 3.3 among Scheduled Tribes (STs), and highest among Muslims at 3.5.
Better sex ratio in BC-C and SC groups
The state records 979 women for every 1,000 men. The sex ratio is lowest among OC groups at 946. It is higher among BC-C at 1,023 and SCs at 1,007. Among Muslims, it stands at 959, STs at 961, and BCs overall at 983.
More elderly in OC groups, fewer children
Age-wise population analysis shows a higher proportion of elderly in OC groups, with fewer children and young persons. The 30–64 age group is relatively larger compared to other communities.
Among children aged 0–14 years, the highest share is in BC-E. Children below five years account for 9.8%, while those aged 6–14 years constitute 16.6%.
Telugu remains primary language for majority
Telugu is the mother tongue for 80.2% of the population. Among STs, where tribal languages dominate, 31.7% speak Telugu. Among Muslims, 23.2% speak Telugu.
In BC-A communities, 83.6% speak Telugu. Among SCs and other BC groups, Telugu speakers range from 93% to 96.4%. Tribal languages are spoken by 66.4% of STs.
Child marriages reported despite legal ban
Child marriage remains illegal, yet the survey records its presence. Such marriages are more common among OC and Muslim communities.
Child marriage among girls stands at 5.6% statewide, while among boys it is 5.0%. Among boys, the highest rates are in OC (6.5%) and BC-E (6.4%), while the lowest are in BC-B and BC-D groups.
Higher widow population among SCs
Widowed women account for 5.4% of the population. The proportion is highest among SCs at 6.2%. It is lowest among Muslims at 4.1%, followed by STs at 4.9%, BCs at 5.5%, and OCs at 4.6%.
Widowers account for 0.6% statewide, with the highest share in BC-C at 0.9%. Divorce rates stand at 0.6%, also highest in BC-C at 0.9%.
Male dominance continues in households
Despite government efforts to promote women as heads of households, male dominance continues at the ground level.
Women head 25.1% of households. The share is higher among SC and Muslim communities at 27.9%, followed by STs at 23.5% and OCs at 20.6%.
