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Figure 4: Population and Household trends: West Bengal
versus Adjoining States (Bihar, Sikkim, Assam)

Source: National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 and 5

9.26 West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and Sikkim share similar demographic characteristics. The
only noteworthy difference emerges in the sex ratios at birth. While both West Bengal and
the neighbouring three states improved on this front, the rise was higher for the neighbours
than for West Bengal. From NHFS 4 to NFHS 5, West Bengal’s sex ratio at birth improved by
1.35 per cent while the corresponding improvement for the three neighbours was 6.28 per cent.
Among the other characteristics, Figure 5 shows that women with 10 or more years of schooling
increased in all four states with the increase in West Bengal being higher at 24 per cent than
that in Bihar, Assam and Sikkim at 20 per cent. In contrast, while men with 10 or more years of
schooling increased in all four states, the increase in West Bengal was lower at 3 per cent than
that in Bihar, Assam and Sikkim at 10 per cent.

Figure 5: Characteristics of adults (15-49 years): West Bengal
versus Adjoining States (Bihar, Sikkim, Assam)

Source: National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 and 5