According to survey data, which Indian state ranks first in highest alcohol consumption among children?

Introduction / Context:
This question highlights a serious social and public health issue. Studies on substance use among children and adolescents in India reveal patterns of tobacco and alcohol consumption that concern policymakers, parents and educators. Knowing which state shows the highest alcohol use among children, as reported by national surveys, is important for awareness and for examinations that cover social issues.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on alcohol consumption specifically among children, not adults.
• The ranking refers to survey based data across Indian states.
• Four states are provided among which one has the highest reported rate for children.

Concept / Approach:
Surveys carried out by child rights bodies and health organisations have indicated that Punjab has one of the highest proportions of children consuming alcohol. This finding is often cited in news reports discussing underage drinking and the need for stronger preventive measures. Therefore, when exams refer to the state that ranks first in this troubling statistic, they generally point to Punjab.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall reading about survey results on substance use among children in India. Step 2: Remember that Punjab was singled out as the state with the highest percentage of children consuming alcohol. Step 3: Examine the given options and locate Punjab. Step 4: Recognise that Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra were not reported as the top state on this specific parameter in the cited studies. Step 5: Select Punjab as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Articles summarising national level surveys on child substance abuse list Punjab as leading in several indicators of alcohol use among minors. These reports often mention that this trend is higher than in many other large states and call for targeted interventions. No equivalent ranking is given for Uttar Pradesh, Telangana or Maharashtra in this context, which validates Punjab as the correct choice for the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Uttar Pradesh: A populous state with its own challenges, but not identified as first in the specific metric of alcohol use among children in the cited study.
Telangana: Has social issues like many regions, yet does not top this particular national ranking.
Maharashtra: Also a large state with urban centres, but not reported as number one for child alcohol consumption rates in the relevant survey.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates might guess based purely on population size, thinking that larger states such as Uttar Pradesh will automatically lead all negative indicators. Others may choose states with well known adult alcohol consumption patterns without considering child specific data. The correct approach is to remember that survey based rankings can differ from general impressions and to revise key findings carefully.

Final Answer:
Punjab is the state that ranks first in highest alcohol consumption among children according to the survey data referenced in the question.