Question

Which state recorded the lowest female literacy rate according to the Census of India (2011)?

• A. Mizoram
• B. Bihar
• C. Lakshadweep
• D. Wayanad

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Bihar

Female Literacy Rate in India (Census 2011)

• According to the Census of India 2011, Bihar recorded the lowest female literacy rate in the country.
• The female literacy rate in Bihar stood at approximately 51.50%.
• Bihar also had the lowest overall literacy rate among all Indian states, at around 61.80%.
• For comparison, the national average female literacy rate in India according to the 2011 Census was 64.6%.
• The overall national literacy rate was 74.04%, with male literacy at 82.14% and female literacy at 65.46%.
• The state with the highest female literacy rate in 2011 was Kerala, with an impressive 92.07%, reflecting its strong commitment to social development and education, often referred to as the Kerala Model of Development.
• Several factors contribute to low female literacy rates in regions like Bihar, including
  • Socio-economic challenges: Poverty, lack of access to schools, and poor infrastructure.
  • Cultural norms: Traditional gender roles, early marriage, and preference for male education.
  • Lack of awareness: Limited understanding of the importance of female education.
• Improved female literacy is a crucial indicator of a state's human development index (HDI) and is strongly correlated with better health outcomes, lower infant mortality rates, reduced fertility rates, and increased economic participation, all vital for inclusive economic growth.
• Government initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana aim to promote universal elementary education and improve the sex ratio and educational status of girls, respectively, to address these disparities.