According to Census 2011, in which State is the difference in the male and female literacy rates the highest?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Rajasthan.
According to the Census 2011, the state with the highest difference in male and female literacy rates is Rajasthan. The male literacy rate in Rajasthan was approximately 80.5%, while the female literacy rate was around 52.7%, resulting in a gender gap of 27.8 percentage points — the widest in the country.
This gap highlights deep-rooted gender disparities in access to education, particularly in rural and socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Cultural norms, early marriage, and limited school infrastructure for girls contribute to the lower female literacy rate. Despite various government schemes promoting girls' education, the progress has been slower compared to other states. Bridging this gap remains a key challenge for achieving inclusive and equitable education in India.