Question

According to the Census of India (2011), what was Kerala's rank in female literacy rate in the country?

• A. Second
• B. Third
• C. First
• D. Fourth

Answer 1

Answer:

C. First

Kerala's Exemplary Female Literacy Rate (Census 2011)

• According to the Census of India 2011, Kerala achieved the highest female literacy rate in the country.
• The female literacy rate in Kerala was recorded at an impressive 92.07%, significantly higher than the national average.
• Kerala's overall literacy rate in the 2011 Census was 94%, which also ranked first among Indian states. This high literacy, especially among women, is a cornerstone of the 'Kerala Model of Development'.
• In contrast, the all-India average female literacy rate in 2011 was 64.6%, and the overall national literacy rate was 74.04%. This highlights Kerala's unique achievement in human development indicators.

Factors Contributing to High Female Literacy in Kerala:

• Historical Emphasis on Education: Even during the princely rule, especially in Travancore and Cochin, there was a strong focus on public education and compulsory schooling.
• Missionary Influence: Christian missionaries played a significant role in establishing educational institutions, particularly for girls, in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Social Reform Movements: Various social reform movements in Kerala advocated for education for all, including women and marginalized communities, promoting universal access.
• Public Investment in Education: Consistent state policies focusing on high public expenditure in education, ensuring accessibility and affordability across all sections of society.
• Matrilineal Traditions: Some historians and sociologists argue that certain matrilineal traditions prevalent in parts of Kerala might have indirectly contributed to better social status and access to education for women.

Implications of High Female Literacy:

• Improved Health Indicators: Higher female literacy correlates with lower infant mortality rates, lower maternal mortality rates, and better family planning practices.
• Women Empowerment: Education empowers women, leading to increased participation in decision-making, economic activities, and greater awareness of their rights.
• Economic Contribution: Educated women contribute more effectively to the economy, directly and indirectly, through improved productivity and better household management.
• Social Progress: High literacy rates, especially among women, contribute to overall social progress, reduced poverty, and a more equitable society, which are hallmarks of the Kerala Model.
• Human Development Index (HDI): Kerala consistently ranks high in India's HDI, primarily due to its achievements in health and education, with female literacy being a key determinant.