(a) whether the Government has taken any steps for improvement in educational and literacy levels registered in Odisha as compared to previous census figures;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the manner in which the status of the India has improved as compared to neighbouring countries?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) & (b) Census 2011 reported the literacy rate of Odisha as 72.87 per cent compared to 63.08 per cent in 2001 and 49.1 per cent in 1991. In order to bring improvement in educational and literacy levels the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 is being implemented for universalisation of elementary education for all children in the 6-14 age group. Saakshar Bharat, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is also being implemented to bring effective improvement in adult literacy in rural areas of 410 districts in 26 States and one UT, that had adult female literacy rate of 50 per cent and below as per Census 2001, including left wing extremism affected districts, irrespective of their literacy rates. In Odisha, 19 districts are covered under Saakshar Bharat Programme.
(c) A statement showing improvement in literacy rates, in the age group of 15 and above, in India and its neighbouring countries as per the Global Monitoring Report 2015,UNESCO is annexed.
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