Consider the following statements on the life expectancy at birth:
(I) In 1951, it was higher for males than for females, and in 1999, it was lower for males than for females.
(II) Between 1951 and 1999, it has increased for both males and females.
Choose the correct answer from the given alternatives.

Correct Answer: (B) Only statement (II) is true.

Statement (II) is correct because India's life expectancy at birth steadily rose for both males and females from 1951 to 1999 due to advancements in public health, eradication of epidemics, and better medical facilities. Statement (I) is incorrect because historical demographic data for India shows that female life expectancy was actually lower than or roughly equal to that of males in the early decades post-independence, crossing male life expectancy only later, making option (A) and (C) invalid.