Previous Year Question
Which one of the following States of India has the highest rural literacy rate?
Maharashtra
Manipur
Goa
Gujarat
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
In the Census, the literacy rate is calculated for the population aged 7 years and above. Children in the 0–6 age group are excluded from the denominator used for calculating the literacy rate. The same methodology was followed in Census 2001.
It is important to distinguish between the rural literacy rate and the overall literacy rate of a State. The overall literacy rate includes both rural and urban populations, whereas this question specifically asks about the literacy of the rural population.
In 2001, Goa's overall effective literacy rate was about 82%, substantially above the national average at that time. Its rural literacy performance was also better than that of the other States given in the options.
Another important concept is that literacy does not necessarily require formal schooling. For Census purposes, a person who can read and write with understanding in any language is treated as literate; literacy may also be acquired through means other than formal education.