Literacy Rate in India: Bihar lowest at 61.8%, Kerala highest at 94%
According to a recent report by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Kerala has the highest literacy rate among Indian states, while Bihar has the lowest. The report, based on data from the 77th National Sample Survey, indicates that Kerala’s literacy rate is 94%, while Bihar’s is only 61.8%. This disparity in literacy rates is a significant concern, especially when it comes to the education and employment opportunities of citizens.
The report indicates that the national literacy rate in India is 77.7%, which is higher than the 74.04% reported in the previous survey conducted in 2017-2018. The gender gap in literacy rate has also decreased to 12.1% in 2020 from 14.4% in 2017-2018. The male literacy rate is 84.7%, while the female literacy rate is 72.6%.
Why this News is important:
The recent NSO report on literacy rates in India is significant for various reasons. The report highlights the need for the Indian government to prioritize education and to address the significant disparities in literacy rates across the country. It is also essential for students preparing for government exams to be aware of the current literacy rates in India, as this information is likely to be relevant in exams related to various sectors like teaching, banking, police, railways, defense, and civil services.
Improving literacy rates is essential for the overall growth and development of the country, as it can help to reduce poverty and increase economic prosperity. It can also lead to improvements in health outcomes, as well as increased access to information and technology.
Historical context:
India has made significant progress in improving literacy rates since its independence in 1947. At the time of independence, the country’s literacy rate was only 18%. Since then, the government has implemented various policies and programs aimed at increasing literacy rates, including the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the National Literacy Mission, and the Right to Education Act.
However, despite these efforts, there are still significant disparities in literacy rates across different states in India. According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate in India was 74.04%, with significant variations between states. Kerala has consistently had the highest literacy rate, while Bihar has consistently had the lowest.
Key Takeaways from “Literacy Rate in India: Bihar lowest at 61.8%, Kerala highest at 94%”:
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | According to a recent report by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Kerala has the highest literacy rate among Indian states, while Bihar has the lowest. |
| 2. | The national literacy rate in India is 77.7%, which is higher than the 74.04% reported in the previous survey conducted in 2017-2018. |
| 3. | The gender gap in literacy rate has also decreased to 12.1% in 2020 from 14.4% in 2017-2018. |
| 4. | Improving literacy rates is essential for the overall growth and development of the country, as it can help to reduce poverty and increase economic prosperity. |
| 5. | There are significant disparities in literacy rates across different states in India, highlighting the need for the Indian government to prioritize education and address these disparities. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q: Which state has the highest literacy rate in India according to the NSO report?
A: Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India according to the NSO report, with a rate of 94%.
Q: Which state has the lowest literacy rate in India according to the NSO report?
A: Bihar has the lowest literacy rate in India according to the NSO report, with a rate of 61.8%.
Q: What is the national literacy rate in India according to the NSO report?
A: The national literacy rate in India according to the NSO report is 77.7%.
Q: What is the gender gap in literacy rate in India according to the NSO report?
A: The gender gap in literacy rate in India according to the NSO report is 12.1%.
Q: Why is improving literacy rates important for the overall development of the country?
A: Improving literacy rates is important for the overall development of the country as it can help to reduce poverty, increase economic prosperity, and improve health outcomes.
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