The present study is attempted under four points. The first point
discusses the regional trends and patterns of literacy rate by
decades since 1951. The second examines the trends of literacy
rate by inter-states and union territories in the study area during
1951-2011. The third observes the distribution pattern and malefemale
literacy differentials during 2011, while the fourth explains
the factors which influence the literacy level in the study area.
The study reveals that the total literacy of India increased from
18.33 per cent to 73.00 from 1951 to 2011. All the states showed
positive growth in literacy rate, especially Kerala (93.91 per cent)
and Mizoram (91.58 per cent) having the highest growth. The
male (96.1 per cent) and female (92.1 per cent) literacy was
found to be the highest in Kerala (96.1per cent). The present
study concludes that lower gross enrolment ratio and high
dropout rates are chief determinants of literacy in the study area.
The study is based upon suitable statistical techniques to analyze
the data. Finally, some suggestions have been given to enhance
the level of literacy rate that may result into positive socio-cultural
transformation.