As per the Census 2011 reported 32.23 percent illiteracy rate, in the 7 and above age group in rural areas of the country, compared to 41.26 percent in 2001thus showing a decrease in illiteracy rate by 9.03 percentage points.

Also as per Census reports, the number of non-literate girls in the age group of 7-14, in rural areas of the country, has decreased by 1.22 crore from 2.53 crore reported in 2001 to 1.31crore in 2011.

What are the reasons for low literacy among females?

Different ill practices such as child marriage, female infanticide had resulted in the low literacy among girls. Dowry and early marriages have contributed a lot to exploit the conomic conditions of families of girl child which ultimately leads to low female literacy.

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What are the steps taken by the government to uplift rural literacy among girls?

The various steps were taken by the government to improve female literacy

• Saakshar Bharat – a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to uplift the female literacy rate by 50%
• To ensure greater participation of girls in elementary education, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has targeted interventions for girls
• Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya has been opened in Educationally Backward Blocks where the female rural literacy is below the national average to provide for residential upper primary schools for girls.

What are the provisions of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)?

The provisions under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan are listed below:

• Arrangement of separate girls toilets
• Self-defense training programs
• Empowerment initiatives for girls
• Arrangement of financial support for disabled girls
• Girls hostel, etc.

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