Muslim Literacy Rate Sees 9.4% Increase in a Decade

The literacy rate among Muslims in India has shown a significant improvement over the years. As per the Census 2011 data, the literacy rate among Muslims aged 7 years and above rose to 68.5%, marking an increase of 9.4 percentage points from 59.1% in Census 2001. However, this figure remained lower than the all-India literacy rate of 73.0% in 2011. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 further highlights an improvement, showing the Muslim literacy rate at 79.5%, compared to 80.9% for all religious communities.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs plays a crucial role in improving the educational and socio-economic conditions of six notified minority communities, including Muslims. The government has implemented several schemes focused on educational empowerment, economic development, and infrastructure enhancement to uplift these communities.

1. Literacy Rate Trends Among Muslims

• Census 2001: Literacy rate among Muslims (7+ years) was 59.1%, compared to the all-India literacy rate of 64.8%.
• Census 2011: Literacy rate among Muslims increased to 68.5%, while the national literacy rate stood at 73.0%.
• Improvement: A rise of 9.4 percentage points in literacy rate among Muslims from 2001 to 2011.
• PLFS 2023-24: Literacy rate among Muslims reached 79.5%, nearing the all-religion average of 80.9%.

2. Government Initiatives for Minority Education

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to enhance education and socio-economic conditions,

Educational Empowerment

• Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, and Merit-cum-Means scholarships for minority students.
• Maulana Azad National Fellowship for higher education.
• Establishment of residential schools and coaching centers.

Infrastructure Development

• Upgrading educational institutions in minority-dominated areas.
  Construction of hostels and classrooms under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).

Economic Empowerment

• Skill development programs and training for minority youth.
• Financial assistance through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).

Special Initiatives

• Strengthening minority institutions such as Madrasas and religious educational centers.
• Awareness campaigns promoting education among Muslim communities.