The literacy rate in the country has increased to around 81 percent and the government aims to move towards 100% literacy rate. In response to a question asked in Parliament, Union Minister of State for Education gave this information.
In response to a question in Parliament, Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary gave information on the status of literacy in the country. He said that the literacy rate in India is 80.9% in the age group of 7 years and above. The figure is based on the report of the Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) of 2023-24, which is prepared by the National Statistics Office (NSSO).
Many socio-economic reasons behind low literacy
Minister of State for Education said that many reasons like poverty, gender discrimination, social inequality are responsible for low literacy in the country. It is challenging to achieve 100 percent literacy without removing these issues.
National Education Policy Emphasis on Adult Education in 2020
The government has reiterated its commitment to 100% literacy. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes on learning adult education and lifetime. The policy clearly states that adult education will be promoted through the use of technology and community participation so that the goal of complete literacy can be achieved.
95% or more literacy is considered complete literacy
Responding, the Minister of State for Education informed that complete literacy in India has been defined as 95% or more literacy rates according to the definition of UNESCO. Currently, Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa and Tripura have been declared a complete literate state.