Question

What does the data from the Census, 2011 indicate about the gender gap in literacy in Kerala?

• A. The gender gap has widened.
• B. The gender gap is very small.
• C. There is no gender gap.
• D. The gender gap is significant.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The gender gap is very small.

• As per the Census 2011, Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India, standing at 93.91%.
• The gender gap in literacy in Kerala is remarkably low, indicating a near-equal access to education for both males and females.
• The literacy rate for males in Kerala was 96.02%, while for females it was 91.98%.
• This small disparity of approximately 4.04% highlights Kerala's success in achieving gender parity in education, a key aspect of the 'Kerala Model' of development.
• The state's consistent focus on women's empowerment and education, through various government initiatives and social reforms, has significantly contributed to bridging the gender gap in literacy.
• This contrasts sharply with the national average literacy rate (74.04%) and a wider gender gap observed in many other Indian states during the same census period.
• The achievement in literacy, particularly the narrow gender gap, is often cited as a hallmark of Kerala's socio-economic progress and is a frequently asked topic in competitive exams related to Kerala's development.