EDUCATION AND CULTURE

GROWTH OF LITERACY

Since the time of the publication of the old Bhandara District Gazetteer substantial progress has been achieved in the field of primary and secondary education and female literacy in the district as could be seen from the following statement: —

The statement shows that literacy percentage has increased by more than six times in 1961 over that in 1931. The percentage of female literacy especially showed a marked improvement from 0.56 in 1931 to 8.19 in 1961. Male literacy rates also improved substantially during the two decades 1941—51 and 1951—61. The scheme of compulsory education introduced by the State Government contributed basically to the improvement of literacy rates.

The district seems to be divided into three broad zone's, viz., northern, central and southern with highest literacy rates being concentrated in the western zone comprising northern parts of Gondia and Bhandara tahsils. Literacy rate drops down as we go from north to south. The southern portions of Sakoli tahsil have the lowest literacy rates. Within the district, Gondia tahsil has the highest literacy for total population and for rural areas also.

The following table shows the classification of literates in different degrees, in 1961: —

TABLE No. 1

Classification of Literates in Different Degrees in the District

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