UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 11th S 2025
Question
Discuss the socio-economic challenges in achieving universal literacy in India. What measures has the government taken to overcome these challenges?
Model Answer
Explanation:
Introduction
Recently, Himachal Pradesh was declared a “fully literate state,” becoming the fifth such state/Union Territory in India after Goa, Ladakh, Mizoram, and Tripura. Achieving ninety-five percent literacy in a State/UT may be considered equivalent to being fully literate.
Status of Literacy in India
The literacy rate in the country is 80.9 percent overall, with 87.2 percent for males and 74.6 percent for females. Kerala leads with a literacy rate of 96.2 percent, followed by Lakshadweep (92.28 percent) and Mizoram (91.58 percent).
Bihar, with a literacy rate of 67.4 percent, ranks lowest among states, preceded by Rajasthan (66.1 percent) and Andhra Pradesh (67.4 percent).
Himachal Pradesh claims a literacy rate of 86.6 percent, Goa 87.4 percent, Mizoram 91.58 percent, Tripura 87.75 percent, and Ladakh 97 percent.
Socio economic challenges in achieving full literacy:
Gender Disparity
Cultural norms and household responsibilities, particularly for girls, reduce enrolments in schools, leading to lower literacy rates especially in rural areas.
Poverty and Child Labour
Instead of attending school, many children are engaged in labor work to fulfill immediate financial needs due to poverty and unemployment.
Example: As per Census 2011, there were 10.1 million children (3.9% of the child population) aged 5–14 years engaged in work in India.
Social Stratification
Marginalized sections often lack access to education due to rigid caste systems and other social evils.
Inadequate Infrastructure
Many schools lack basic facilities like drinking water, sanitation, and electricity.
Example: Several states, particularly in the North-East such as Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, along with Bihar and Manipur, have significant gaps in essential facilities like electricity, functional toilets, and libraries.
Urban-Rural Divide
There is a considerable lack of access to better educational facilities and resources in rural areas compared to urban areas.
Health and Nutrition
Poor health and nutrition affect a child's ability to learn effectively.
Example: According to NFHS-5, 67.1 percent of children and 59.1 percent of adolescent girls in India are anaemic
Measures to achieve full literacy rate:
Free and Compulsory Education The Constitution provides for compulsory education for children under Article 21-A.
New India Literacy Programme (NILP) A centrally sponsored initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. Also known as ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), it aims to educate 1 crore non-literates annually aged 15 years and above through the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS).
Samagra Shiksha An integrated scheme for school education extending from pre-school to class XII to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) Launched in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE), this scheme provides necessary nutritional support and has increased the enrolment ratio of students.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) Model residential schools established for tribal children across the country offering improved educational access.
Conclusion:
Universal literacy is not just a number to chase; it is a gateway to real empowerment, especially for women, rural populations, and marginalized communities. A comprehensive approach involving community participation and effective implementation of welfare schemes can help achieve the goal of universal education under Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).