Question : LITERACY TARGETS

(a) whether illiteracy is affecting the economy of our country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the targets fixed and achievements made under the literacy mission in the country during the Eleventh Five Year Plan;

(d) the amount of funds released and spent so far on literacy mission in India during the last three years and the current year, year-wise, State-wise and UT-wise; and

(e) the details of success achieved/works carried out through this literacy mission during the said period, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b) No recent survey or study has been conducted by the National Literacy Mission on this aspect.

(c) The target was to raise literacy levels to 80% and reduce gender gap to 10% besides bridging regional disparities. Census, 2011 has revealed that country’s literacy rate has improved from 64.84% in 2001 to 74.04% in 2011 with a decadal increase of 9.2% points. Similarly, the gender gap of 21.59% points recorded between male and female literacy rates in 2001 Census has reduced to 16.68% points in 2011.

(d) A statement indicating the amount of central share released and expenditure incurred under Saakshar Bharat programme during the last three years, year-wise, State/UT-wise, is annexed. No fund has been released in the current year.

(e) During the said period the programme was sanctioned in 372 districts; survey completed in 80,580 Gram Panchayats; around 4.24 crore potential learners identified; 91,100 Adult Education Centers set up; 1.61 crore learners enrolled; literacy classes started in 13.92 lakh literacy centres; more than 2 crore learners assessed; a nation-wide mobilization campaign under the banner of Saakshar Bharat Yatra covering 22 States and 187 districts organized; and extensive print & audio visual media campaign undertaken to achieve the objectives of the programme.