Kerala State was declared as Full Literate State on 18th April 1991, that is full 21 years back. It was not easy to attain this coveted position, though the state was much advanced in education position even earlier. The position could be achieved only after much hard work, campaign and also with the full support of the people, the government, all political parties and others. The government gave free books, the educated persons including teachers, employees, students etc. gave coaching throughout the year in the evening – night-time to the required uneducated persons near their homes – wide propaganda was also given.  It was a challenge and the people of Kerala faced it and achieved the unbelievable.

What is the situation in other states? Recently, Com. Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Tripura stated at the open session of the 20th Party Congress of CPI(M) at Calicut that the state has improved its literacy much and it is expected to become full literate state within a few years. There are some other states also moving in this direction.

But unfortunately, this is not the case with many states. Literacy is around 50% only. There are not sufficient schools or teachers. Sufficient funds are not made available. In some places, classes are held under the shades of trees due to lack of accommodation. Though there are acts and orders against child-labour, children of the school age are made to work and deprived of education, which is their constitutional right. The political parties also have not taken a serious view of the situation. The central government has reduced the % of amount granted for primary education.

It is a shame that India continues to be less illiterate than many countries in the African continent, which was called the Dark Continent.  All of us has the responsibility and duty to improve our literacy rate in the country and give the power to read and write to all the people.