Question

What was Kerala's rank in the country for literacy rate according to the Census of India (2011)?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

C. First

Kerala's Literacy Prowess: A Deep Dive into 2011 Census Findings

• According to the Census of India 2011, Kerala held the top position among all Indian states for its impressive literacy rate.
• Kerala's literacy rate in 2011 was 93.91%, which was significantly higher than the national average.
• The national literacy rate for India in 2011 was 74.04%.

• Factors Contributing to Kerala's High Literacy:

  • Historical Emphasis on Education: Education received significant attention from rulers like the Travancore Maharajas (e.g., Rani Gouri Parvathi Bai, who declared 'education as a state expense' in 1817), and later by social reformers and missionaries.
  • Public Investment in Education: Kerala has historically prioritized public spending on education, ensuring widespread access to schools.
  • Strong Public Education System: A robust network of government and aided schools across the state ensures educational accessibility even in remote areas.
  • Role of Social Reform Movements: Movements led by figures like Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali championed education for all, especially for marginalized communities.
  • High Health and Social Development Indicators: High literacy is often correlated with better health outcomes and social development, which are hallmarks of the Kerala Model.
  • Women's Education: Kerala has historically focused on female education, contributing significantly to its overall high literacy rate. The female literacy rate in Kerala was 92.07% in 2011, while the male literacy rate was 96.11%.

• Kerala Model of Development:

  • Kerala's high literacy rate is a cornerstone of the 'Kerala Model of Development', which emphasizes human development indicators like education, healthcare, and social equity, even with relatively lower per capita income compared to some other developed states.

• Key Comparative Facts (2011 Census):

  • The state with the lowest literacy rate in India as per the 2011 Census was Bihar, with a literacy rate of 61.80%.
  • The overall male literacy rate in India was 82.14%, and the female literacy rate was 65.46%.

• Recent Updates (National Family Health Survey-5, 2019-21):

  • While the Census is decennial, more recent surveys also confirm Kerala's continued lead. The NFHS-5 (2019-21) indicates that 97.4% of women and 98.9% of men aged 15-49 in Kerala are literate, reinforcing its consistent performance.