“We have the duty of formulating, of summarising and of communicating our conclusions, in intelligence form, in recognition of the right of ‘other’ free minds to utilize them in making ‘their own decisions”

-R.A.Fisher

(Father of Statistics)

“It is easy to lie with statistics. It is hard to tell the truth without statistics”. -Andrejs Dunkels

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PREFACE

The publication of “ Statistical Hand Book 2014-15 - Salem” presents the latest statistical data on various Socio- Economic aspects of . Statistical Tables presented in this book highlight the trends in the development and progress in various sectors of Salem District’s economy.

I extend my sincere thanks to Dr. V.Irai Anbu, I.A.S, Principal Secretary/Commissioner, Department of Economics and Statistics, , Thiru. V.Sampath, I.A.S, District Collector, Salem and Thiru.K.Ravi Kumar, M.A., B.Ed., B.L., M.B.A., Regional Joint Director of Statistics, Salem for their valuable support and suggestions offered for enhancing the quality for this publication.

The co-operation extended by various Heads of Departments of State and Central Governments, Public Sector Undertakings and Other organizations in bringing out this book is acknowledged with profound gratitude.It is hoped that this Hand Book will be a useful reference book to Administrators, Planners, Scholars, Statisticians, Economists and to all those who are interested in the Socio- Economic Planning of Salem District.

I express my appreciation to all the Officers and Staff of this office for compiling the data relating to this Hand Book.

Suggestions for improving future compilations are most welcome.

Place: Salem Date: DeputyDirector of Statistics, Salem

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SALIENT FEATURES OF SALEM DISTRICT

I. PHYSICAL FEATURE

Salem is one of the biggest and it is centrally situated in . It is a Geologist‟s paradise, surrounded by hills and the landscape dotted with hillocks. Salem has vibrant culture dating back to the ancient . As a district, Salem has its singinficance in various aspects such as Mango Cultivation, Silver Ornaments, Textiles, Sago industries and Steel production. It has thirteen taluks. During the year 2014-15, Salem West, Salem South and Pethanaikkanpalayam are newly formed taluks in this district. There are many things in Salem that are noteworthy by its virtue of its location and social set-up.

II. AREA AND POPULATION

Salem district‟s geographical area is 5245 sq.kms. While Salem district occupies the 9th rank among the districts in Tamil Nadu in regard to size, the population of Salem district occupies 5th rank among districts in Tamil Nadu. As per 2001 census 53.65% persons are in rural areas and remaining 46.35% persons are in urban areas. The population of Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes in the district are 15.5% and 3.50% respectively. The density of population as per 2001 census 573. As per the population census 2011, the total population of the district is 34, 82,056 of which 17, 81,571 are males and the remaining 1700485 are females. The percentage of decadal growth rate of population has declined to 15.37 % during 2001-11 from 17.2& of 1991-2001. The sex ratio has gone up to 954 females per 1000 males as per census 2011 when compared to 929 females per 1000 males in 2001 census. It is ranked as 31st among all districts of the State in respect of sex ratio. The population de