Literacy

Literacy is not just the ability to read and write — it is a prerequisite to education and a powerful instrument of empowerment. A more literate population is more conscious of career options and better able to participate in the knowledge economy. Literacy also leads to greater health awareness and fuller participation in the cultural and economic well-being of the community.

Since independence, literacy levels in India have improved considerably. Almost two-thirds of the population is now literate. However, improvements in the literacy rate have to struggle to keep up with the rate of population growth, which remains quite high.

Literacy varies considerably across three dimensions: gender, region, and social group.

Gender inequality in literacy

The literacy rate for women is 16.3% less than the literacy rate for men. However, female literacy has been rising faster than male literacy, partly because it started from a relatively low base. Between 2001 and 2011, female literacy rose by about 10.4%, compared to a rise of 7.6% in male literacy. Over the same period, total literacy increased by approximately 8%. Male literacy rose about 5%, whereas female literacy rose about 10%.

Social group variations

Historically disadvantaged communities — the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes — have lower rates of literacy. Within these groups, female literacy rates are even lower.

Regional variations

Regional differences remain very wide. States like Kerala are approaching universal literacy, while states like Bihar lag far behind.

Why these inequalities matter

The inequalities in literacy rates are especially important because they tend to reproduce inequality across generations. Illiterate parents are at a severe disadvantage in ensuring that their children are well educated, thus perpetuating existing inequalities.