What is the literacy rate?

The literacy rate is defined as the total number of literate persons in a given age group, expressed as a percentage of the total population in that age group. The adult literacy rate measures literacy among persons aged 15 years and above, and the youth literacy rate measures literacy among persons aged 15 to 24 years. Literacy and level of education are basic indicators of the level of expansion achieved by a society. The spread of literacy is generally related to important traits of modern civilization such as modernization, urbanization, industrialization, communication, and commerce. According to Census of India 2011, the literacy rate of the country is 74%. Literacy rate indicates the total number of literate persons in the economy who can read and write their regional language with understanding. The total male literacy rate is 82.14%, and 65.46% is the female literacy rate.

Literacy is a significant input in the overall development of individuals enabling them to comprehend their social, political and cultural environment better and respond to it appropriately. When people are provided with higher levels of education and literacy, it will lead to greater awareness and also contributes majorly to the improvement of economic and social conditions.