A Comparative Study of Literacy Status between Eag and Non-Eag States of India with Special Reference to Eag States (2001-2011)

Literacy is considered as one of the key foundation stones for any development process in the society. It increases the capabilities of individuals, families and communities to access health, educational, political, economic and cultural opportunities and services. This study deals with the literacy status of Empowered Action Group (EAG) States of India. It highlights the gender disparity in literacy, rural-urban differential in literacy and literacy differential among the various social groups in EAG as well as Non-EAG States. It also examines the district level literacy variations especially in EAG States. The study uses the Census data of 2001 and 2011 to fulfil the objectives. It finds that though the disparity in literacy rates between EAG and Non-EAG States is still substantial, between 2001 and 2011 the growth of literacy rate,especiallyin rural areas, is found to be much higher in EAG States than Non-EAG States. More importantly, between 2001 and 2011, gender disparity in literacy rate has decreased in both EAG and Non-EAG States.