Bihar Caste Survey Unveils Literacy Rate of 79.70%, With Women Surpassing Men

Bihar’s Education Minister, Vijay Kumar Chaudary, has unveiled the state’s overall literacy rate, shedding light on some interesting findings. According to the Bihar Caste Survey, the state’s literacy rate currently stands at 79.70 percent, a significant milestone in its educational journey. One notable aspect is that women in Bihar have surpassed men in literacy, indicating a positive shift in gender balance in education. For every 1,000 males, there are 953 females who are now considered literate, as revealed by Chaudary in the State Assembly.

Delving deeper into the survey’s insights, it becomes evident that while the overall literacy rate is encouraging, the educational landscape still faces challenges. Only 22.67 percent of the respondents had completed their education up to class 5. However, there is a slight improvement for individuals from Scheduled Castes and Extremely Backward Classes, with 24.31 percent and 24.65 percent, respectively, reaching this educational level. In contrast, among the general category, the percentage stands lower at 17.45 percent.

Additionally, the Bihar Caste survey highlights the progress made by scheduled caste individuals, with 5.67 percent of them having completed schooling up to Classes 11 and 12. While there is still much room for improvement, this figure represents a positive trajectory.

The unveiling of Bihar’s literacy rate, especially with women outpacing men, is a testament to the state’s commitment to education. It reflects a positive trend in gender equality in educational attainment. However, the survey also underscores the need for continued efforts to ensure education is accessible and equitable for all, irrespective of caste or gender. The potential for a nationwide caste census could provide valuable insights for addressing disparities and promoting inclusive policies in the country’s educational landscape.

_{Repurposed article originally published in DNA}