Q. With reference to Mizoram becoming India’s first fully literate state, assess the role of ‘functional literacy’ in enhancing democratic participation and social equity. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Core Demand of the Question

  • Role of functional literacy in enhancing democratic participation.
  • Role of functional literacy in enhancing social equity.

Answer

Mizoram has emerged as India’s first fully literate state under the Centre’s ULLAS — New India Literacy Programme, which mandates a minimum literacy rate of 95% of the population. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24, 98.2% of Mizo citizens aged seven and above are literate, surpassing the national average of 80.9% and even exceeding Kerala’s literacy rate (95.3%).

Role of Functional Literacy in Enhancing Democratic Participation

  • Access to Information: Literate citizens can access government schemes and policies through digital platforms like Digital India.
    Eg: Mizo citizens effectively use the DigiLocker and Aadhaar to avail welfare benefits.
  • Demand for Accountability: Educated citizens hold elected representatives accountable through petitions and social media.
    Eg: Mizo youth used social media campaigns under the MyGov platform to press for improved rural healthcare, demonstrating empowered citizen participation.
  • Informed Voting: Functional literacy enables citizens to understand political manifestos and policies, promoting responsible voting.
    Eg: In the 2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly elections, the state achieved an 80.66% voter turnout, with 81.25% female voter turnout.
  • Active Civic Engagement: Literacy encourages participation in local governance and public consultations.
    Eg: Strong community involvement in Village Council meetings enhances grassroots democracy in Mizoram.
  • Reduced Political Manipulation: Literacy reduces susceptibility to misinformation and vote-buying.
    Eg: Literacy rates in Mizoram are 98.1% in rural and 98.3% in urban areas, contrasting sharply with the national 15% urban-rural gap, lowering manipulation risks.
  • Enhanced Legal Awareness: Literacy improves knowledge of rights and legal processes, enabling justice access.

Role of Functional Literacy in Enhancing Social Equity

  • Gender Equality: Literacy empowers women economically and socially, narrowing gender gaps.
    Eg: Mizoram’s female workforce participation rate is the third highest in India (PLFS, 2023).
  • Improved Health Outcomes: Literate populations better understand health advice, improving community health.
    Eg: Mizoram has the lowest infant mortality rate (IMR) in the country at 3 per 1,000 live births (NFHS-5).
  • Economic Empowerment: Functional literacy aids skill development, enhancing employment opportunities.
  • Social Inclusion: Literacy facilitates the integration of marginalized communities into mainstream society.
    Eg: Local volunteers, known as Talaw Talaw Mang Mangayana, overcame geographic challenges to ensure literacy reaches remote areas.
  • Reduced Poverty: Literacy improves financial literacy and access to credit, helping break poverty cycles.
    Eg: Mizo women entrepreneurs showed increased uptake of PM Mudra Yojana loans, boosting economic independence.
  • Cultural Preservation: Literacy supports the documentation and transmission of indigenous knowledge.
    Eg: Mizo language and folk traditions are preserved through community-led digital archives and education.

As India aspires for inclusive development, Mizoram’s literacy success presents a guiding framework. By investing in functional literacy, empowering local communities, and aligning development with cultural ethos, other states can bridge socio-economic divides and deepen democratic roots, making people the true agents of change.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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