L
iteracy
is the ability to read, write,
listen and comprehend, and speak a
language. In modern contexts, the word refers to
reading and writing at a level adequate for
communication or at a level that lets one
understand and communicate abstract ideas.
Literacy is a cause for celebration since there are
now close to four billion literate people in the
world. However, literacy for all children, youth and adults is still an
unaccomplished goal and an ever moving target. A combination of ambitious
goals, insufficient and parallel efforts, inadequate resources and strategies, and
continued underestimation of the magnitude and complexity of the task accounts
for this unmet goal. Lessons learnt over recent decades show that meeting the
goal of universal literacy calls not only for more effective efforts but also for
renewed political will and for doing things
differently at all levels locally, nationally and
internationally.8th September was proclaimed
International Literacy Day by UNESCO on
November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in
1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of
literacy to individuals, communities and
societies. On International Literacy Day each
year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and
adult learning globally.
lly. Celebrations take place around the world.
Published on State Portal (www.orissa.gov.in)
World Literacy Rate
(in million)
Adult Literacy Rate**(15+) (%)
Total
82
Male
87
Female
77
Adult Illiterates**(15+) in million
780.66
281.04
499.62
90
84
Youth literacy rate (15-24) (%)
87
Young illiterates (in million)
138.97
52.81
86.16
Out of School population (in million)
76.84
33.25
43.59
Source: http://www.nlm.nic.in/lsi.htm
Literacy in Orissa
On the literacy front, the State has achieved
noticeable success in realizing illiteracy
reduction to the order of 13.98% points
during 1991-2001 as against All India figure
of 12.60% points. Census data shows that
the literacy gap of population in Orissa and
All-India level widened between 1951 to
1981, but thereafter there has been a
reducing trend. The literacy rate in Orissa in 1951 was 15.8% against All India
average of 18.3, but this gap widened in 1981 Census, the respective literacy rates
being 33.62% in Orissa and 43.56% at the All-India level. As per the latest 2001
Census the literacy rate for the State was 63.08% as against 64.8% at the All-India
level. By and large this is the positive impact of the Total Literacy Campaign
launched in the State since 1990-91.But there is wide gap between the level of
literacy between males and females in the State. There exists serious gap between
male and female literacy, between general category and backward population
including ST/SCs. Male literacy in Orissa in 2001 Census is 75.96% where as only
50.51% of females were literate. As against State literacy rate of 63.08%, districts
like Koraput had only 35.72% literate, Malkangiri 30.53%, Nawarangpur 33.93%.
Although educational infrastructure is found to be better for the State as
Published on State Portal (www.orissa.gov.in)
compared to All India level, it is the quality of such infrastructure which requires
planned action. Similarly although enrolment rates at primary levels (94.91%) is
slightly better than at All-India level (92.14%), worsening drop-out rate is a matter
of concern. Enrolment of girl children at the Primary
level (I-V) in Orissa is
79.82% as against All-India level is 82.85%. At Upper Primary level too Enrolment
Rate in the State (51.31%) lags behind All-India level 57.58%
Source: http://www.orissa.gov.in/health_portal/healthprofile/literacy.html
According to UNESCO, in the world today there are about 1 billion non-literate
adults.
•
This 1 billion is approximately 26 percent of the world's adult population.
•
Women make up two-thirds of all non-literates.
•
98 percent of all non-literates live in developing countries.
•
In the least developed countries, the overall illiteracy rate is 49 percent.
•
52 percent of all non-literates live in India and China.
•
Africa as a continent has a literacy rate of less than 60 percent.
•
In Sub-Saharan Africa since 1980, primary school enrollment has declined,
going from 58 percent to 50 percent.
•
In all developing countries, the percentage of children aged 6-11 not
attending school is 15 percent.
Literacy Programme in Orissa
Non-formal and adult literacy programs are run in various districts and are at
different stages of implementation. Out of 30 districts, 9 are continuing total
literacy campaign [TLC]. 10 districts are either continuing or awaiting approval of
post literacy program [PLP]. 11 districts have completed PLP, and some of them
have received sanction for Continuing Education Program.
Published on State Portal (www.orissa.gov.in)