Christians treat their women better, sex ratio highest

Christians treat their women better and the sex ratio amongst them the highest among all communities in the country, according to data for 2004–05 released by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).

NSSO suggests the reason for the sex ratio being better is due to the large proportion of Christians living in the tribal areas of the North East and the tribals who are less involved in female foeticide or discrimination against girl child.

According to the its report, 47% of Christians in urban areas and 38% in the rural areas come within the top third of monthly earning categories, ahead of Hindus (24%) and Muslims (20%). It?s apparently clear that, better educational levels have led the Christians to a better economic status.

What's more cheering is Christians have the highest literacy rate among all religious communities. For women, it is 69% in rural areas and 89% in urban areas. The numbers are much ahead of other communities especially for women. Considering Hindus and Muslims, only about 41% of the women are literate in the rural areas. In urban areas, 73% of Hindu women and 60% of Muslim women are literate.

However, NSS confirmed, among Christians, unemployment has increased from 4% to 4.4% in rural areas and from 7% to 9% in urban areas between 1999–2000 and 2004–05.

Caste discrimination within the community has been another serious issue in the country. At least 70% of Christians are considered to be lower castes within the community.