The sex ratio in Kerala where women outnumber men is fast declining in 0-6 age group. Apart from this, the total number of children in Kerala is less than its elderly population. During the last 10 years, the number of children below six years has declined almost two per cent in Kerala. As per Census 2011, contrary to a decade ago there are only 959 girls for 1,000 boys up to the age of six. Even if it is 32 more than the national average it is a matter of serious concern. Besides this, in the age group of 10 to 14, compared to girls, boys are more in number. Further more, population growth rate has sharply declined in the state and in Pathanamthitta district it is negative. This phenomenon is taking place for the first time in Kerala. Other than large scale migration to other countries preference for male child can be a possible reason. Population experts point out that long life expectancy and declining birth rate can lead to negative population growth in Kerala similar to Europe or Japan .