India's literacy scorecard marked by persistent inequalities

INDIA’s reported literacy rate of 80.9 per cent marks a commendable milestone, reflecting steady progress in education access. However, the data from the 2023–24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reveals that the nation’s march toward universal literacy is hindered by persistent inequalities — most notably, along gender and regional lines. Urban India boasts a literacy rate of 88.9 per cent, compared to 77.5 per cent in rural areas. This rural-urban gap, echoed across various states, highlights the uneven distribution of educational infrastructure, qualified teachers and learning opportunities. Similarly, gender disparities endure, with male literacy significantly outpacing female literacy in several states, despite decades of policy focus on girls’ education.