India's Literacy Landscape: Insights from the PLFS 2023-24 Report

India's literacy rates have improved, as per the PLFS 2023-24, with Mizoram (98.2%), Lakshadweep (97.3%), and Kerala (95.3%) leading. National literacy stands at 80.9% for ages 7+, but states like Bihar (74.3%) and Rajasthan (75.8%) lag behind. Urban areas (88.9%) surpass rural regions (77.5%), while gender gaps persist, particularly in Rajasthan (20.1%). Despite progress, regional, gender, and rural-urban disparities remain. Targeted interventions in rural education and gender inclusion are crucial for achieving equitable literacy growth nationwide.

India's literacy rates have seen notable progress, but disparities persist across regions, genders, and urban-rural divides, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24. Released by the National Sample Survey Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the report provides a comprehensive overview of literacy levels in the country, focusing on individuals aged five years and above and seven years and above.

Top Performers in Literacy

The survey reveals that Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Kerala, Tripura, and Goa lead the nation in literacy rates for persons aged seven and above. Mizoram tops the list with an impressive 98.2% literacy rate, followed by Lakshadweep at 97.3%, Kerala at 95.3%, Tripura at 93.7%, and Goa at 93.6%. These regions have consistently performed well due to better access to education and robust educational policies.

On a national scale, the literacy rate for individuals aged seven and above stands at 80.9%, while for those aged five and above, it is slightly lower at 79.7%. The data is based on a nationally representative sampling, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of literacy across states and Union Territories.

Literacy Gaps in Underperforming States

At the other end of the spectrum, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have the lowest literacy rates for individuals aged seven and above, with rates of 74.3%, 75.2%, and 75.8%, respectively. The trend is similar for the five-plus age group, where Bihar records the lowest literacy at 73.2%, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 73.7% and Rajasthan at 74.9%. These states face significant challenges, including lower education infrastructure and social barriers, which hinder progress in literacy.

Urban-Rural Divide in Literacy

The PLFS data highlights a persistent gap between urban and rural literacy rates. At the national level, urban areas report an 88.9% literacy rate for individuals aged seven and above, compared to 77.5% in rural areas. This urban-rural disparity is particularly pronounced in states like Madhya Pradesh, where the rural literacy rate is 71.6%, while the urban rate reaches 85.7%. Similarly, Bihar records a rural literacy rate of 72.1% against an urban rate of 83.2%, and Rajasthan shows a rural literacy rate of 72.5%, contrasted with an urban rate of 84.7%. These figures underscore the need to address rural education challenges through targeted interventions.

Gender Disparities Persist

Gender inequality in literacy remains a significant concern. Nationally, the literacy gap between males and females aged seven and above is 12.6 percentage points. Rajasthan has the largest gender gap at 20.1%, with male literacy at 85.9% and female literacy at 65.8%. Bihar and Madhya Pradesh also exhibit substantial gaps of 16.2% and 16.1%, respectively. In rural areas, the disparities are even starker. For instance, rural Rajasthan reports male literacy at 83.6%, while female literacy drops to 61.8%. Similarly, rural Bihar and Madhya Pradesh show wide gaps, with female literacy lagging significantly behind male literacy.

In contrast, states with higher overall literacy rates, such as Mizoram and Kerala, demonstrate smaller gender gaps. Mizoram reports 99.2% literacy for males and 97% for females, while Kerala records 96.7% for males and 94% for females. These states serve as models for reducing gender disparities in education.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

The PLFS 2023-24 report highlights progress in India's literacy rates but also underscores persistent challenges. Regional, gender, and rural-urban disparities remain significant, particularly in states with large rural and tribal populations. These disparities reflect gaps in educational access, quality, and outcomes, which need urgent attention to ensure equitable literacy growth across the country.

To bridge these gaps, policymakers must focus on enhancing rural education infrastructure, promoting gender-inclusive educational initiatives, and addressing socio-economic barriers that hinder literacy development. By addressing these challenges, India can move closer to achieving its goal of universal literacy and equitable education for all.