EDUCATION & CULTURE

LITERACY and EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS

India after independence was confronted with the problem of eradication of illiteracy and expansion of educational facilities to cover the coming generations. The principle of universal free education to the children below the age of 14 years was accepted and provision was made in the Third Plan for providing free education to children of this age group. The educational standards in Wardha district are in keeping with the general educational pattern in the country. Facilities for primary and secondary education have increased very rapidly. The literacy rate increased from 6.77 per cent in 1931 to 30.45 per cent in 1961. The percentage of literacy in the district since 1901 is as follows:—

The literacy percentage has increased by about eight times during the last sixty years. Real improvement is, however, noticed only during the decades 1941-51 and 1951-61. The improvement in female literacy from 8.62 per cent in 1951 to 16.98 per cent in 1961 can be said to be a noteworthy achievement. The scheme of compulsory education introduced during the post-independence period as well as the rapid expansion of educational facilities during the two Plan periods have helped to raise literacy standards. Also the general awakening after the achievement of Independence and conscious efforts by the State Government and Janapad Sabhas to extend educational facilities, appear to have considerably helped the cause of literacy. Among the 8 districts of Vidarbha, Wardha district stands third in having the highest percentage of literacy.

The following table indicates tahsilwise literacy percentage in the district according to 1961 Census:—

TABLE No. 2

LITERACY IN WARDHA DISTRICT IN 1961.

The central circular portion nearabout Wardha town has the highest literacy rates. The next highest rates are centred round about the above-mentioned regions. Literacy rates are lower beyond these regions both towards the north and the south of the district. The lowest rates are found in the northern hilly portions of Arvi tahsil and the southern portions of Hinganghat tahsil.

Within the district, Wardha tahsil has the highest literacy rates for total, rural and urban areas. Percentage of literacy is higher among males than females. However, the literacy among females is also rising rapidly and during the last decade it nearly doubled, rising from 8.8 per cent in 1951 to 16.9 per cent in 1961. In Hinganghat tahsil the literacy percentages are the lowest in respect of persons, males and females in rural areas as well as for females in urban areas. Arvi tahsil, however, has the lowest rates for total and for males. It is so for persons and males in urban areas.

The urban areas generally, have greater literacy percentage as compared to rural areas due to general advancement and availability of educational facilities. The percentage of literacy in urban areas as per 1961 Census was 48.6 per cent while the same in respect of the rural areas was 24.8 only. The extension of educational facilities in the remote areas has changed the pattern of literacy in the rural areas by increase in the literacy percentage during the last decade.

The following statement shows the extent of literacy prevailing in the district according to 1961 Census:—

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