Explanation: The population of Telangana, a state in southern India, is a critical piece of demographic data that is essential for understanding the state's social, economic, and political landscape. The population figure is derived from the decennial census conducted by the Government of India, which provides a comprehensive count of the population across various demographic parameters.
The 2011 census, the most recent census before the formation of Telangana as a separate state in 2014, recorded the population of the region that now constitutes Telangana as 3.52 crores (35,286,757). This figure is significant for several reasons:
1. **Planning and Policy-Making**: The population data is crucial for the state government to plan and implement policies related to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare. It helps in allocating resources and determining the needs of the population.
2. **Economic Development**: Understanding the population size and distribution helps in assessing the economic potential of the state. It influences decisions on investment, employment generation, and industrial development.
3. **Social Indicators**: The census data includes information on literacy rates, sex ratio, age distribution, and other social indicators. These data points are essential for addressing social issues and promoting inclusive development.
4. **Political Representation**: The population figure is used to determine the number of seats in the state legislature and the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament). It ensures that the representation is proportional to the population.
It is important to note that the population figure of 3.52 crores is specific to the 2011 census. Since then, the population has likely increased due to natural growth and migration. However, for the purpose of this question, the 2011 census figure is the correct and relevant data point.
In conclusion, the population of Telangana as per the 2011 census is 3.52 crores, making option A the correct answer. This figure is a critical piece of information for understanding the demographic profile of the state and is used extensively in various planning and policy-making processes.