PORVORIM: Female literacy rate in Goa saw a rise of 9.29 percent from 2001-11, with State literacy rate standing above national average. At the same time, after recording a decline for almost four decades, the sex ratio witnessed a rise in 2011.

This information was provided in the Economic Survey 2016-17 which was tabled on the Floor of the House on Thursday. “In a country like India, literacy is the main foundation for social and economic growth. After the 2011 census, literacy rate in India was found to be 74.04 percent,” the report stated.

As per the 2011 census, Goa with 88.70 percent literacy rate ranks fourth in the country after Kerala (94 percent), Lakshadweep (91.80 percent) and Mizoram (91.30 percent). The literacy rate witnessed growth of 6.70 percent from 2001 when the rate was 82 percent. 

As per the record, 11,65,487 persons are reported to be literate in the State that include 6,15,823 males and 5,49,664 females. The literacy rate among males and females works out to be 92.65 percent and 84.66 percent respectively. 

“The literacy rate among males has shown an improvement to the extent of 4.23 percent over 2001 census whereas the literacy among females recorded a rise of 9.29 percent during the same period,” the report stated. 

The literacy gap between male and female was at a highest level during 1981 at 21 percent. The gap reduced to 13.05 percent in 2001 and to 7.99 percent in 2011. “The State has made tremendous progress in literacy during 2001-2011- with total person literates stood at 2,93,058,” the report added. 

The Economic Survey further reveals that there has been increase/decrease in sex ratio in the State over the years. The sex ratio recorded declining trend from 1971 to 2001. However, in 2011 census it showed upward trend and stood at 973 females per thousand male as against 960 females per thousand males in 2001.