Growth rate in Christian population in Odisha has made a quantum jump by 478 per cent in past 50 years compared to 323 per cent and 130 per cent in case of Muslim and Hindu population respectively.

Analysis of population on religious basis in Odisha as per 2011 Census, which was released by the Census Directorate, Odisha, here says if 1961 Census is taken as base, total population in Odisha has gone up by 139.19 per cent from 1.75 crore to 4.19 crore.

Christian population among three dominant religions has increased from 2.01 lakh in 1961 to 11.61 lakh in 2011 – a growth of 478 per cent. Muslims have grown by 323 per cent from 2.15 lakh in 1961 to 9.11 lakh in 2011. Compared to this, population of Hindu, which is dominant religion in the State, has made slow growth from 1.71 crore to 3.93 crore (129.52 per cent) in the same period.

As per 2011 Census, share of Hindu population in Odisha has come down from 94.35 per cent from 2001 to 93.63 per cent. However, percentages of Muslim and Christian population have seen jump from 2.07 to 2.17 per cent and from 2.44 to 2.77 per cent respectively during past one decade.

Bishnupada Sethi, Director of Census, said: “Ganjam, most populous district of the State, has more Hindus than other districts in both the Censuses (2001 and 2011). Cuttack has largest Muslim population by Bhadrak district. Similarly, Sundargarh is having highest Christian population followed by Gajapati and Kandhamal.”

Among Hindus, the highest growth rate of 23.25 per cent is recorded in Balangir district and the lowest growth rate of 7.02 per cent is recorded in Jagatsinghapur district.

Similarly, Muslims have grown by 38.50 per cent, highest growth rate, in Kalahandi district. The highest growth of Christians population is recorded in Baudh district (118.41 per cent).

Population of Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains is found to be in few thousands in Odisha. While Sikh population in 2011 is 21,991, Buddhists and Jains are 13,852 and 9,420 respectively. Ironically, decadal growth in population in unclassified sects and no stated religions in Odisha have increased spectacularly between 2001 and 2011. Population with no stated religion has increased from 20,195 to 76,919 in the last decade.