Pranab Mukherjee for bridging gender gap in literacy

According to the 2011 Census, "male literacy is 80.2 per cent in the country and in case of women, it is 60 per cent," said Mukherjee.

Pranab Mukherjee, education. literacy day, female education india, gender parity india, education news

Former president of India Pranab Mukherjee

Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday called for bridging the gender gap in literacy and said educating a woman tantamounts to educate the entire family. If the mother is educated in a household, essential healthcare problems like child mortality can be addressed, Mukherjee said at a programe here.

According to the 2011 Census, “male literacy is 80.2 per cent in the country and in case of women, it is 60 per cent,” he said. This shows that women trail behind men in literacy and this 20 per cent gap should be bridged, the former President said.

In video| BBC Director Tony Hall On Gender Pay Disparity

Story continues below this ad

“The rate of literacy among women must be equal to male literacy…. If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family,” the Bharat Ratna recipient said in his speech.

“I reiterate that if women are educated, they will take care of health issues and bring basic fundamental changes in healthcare in education and a new culture will be developed among youngsters,” Mukherjee said.

India has a pluralistic society and, despite that, Indians are united, he said. “India has one goal, one Constitution, one flag and this plurality will be strengthened by the mothers, sisters and daughters who will teach the new generation,” he said.

Girls from several city schools attended the ‘Beti Padhao Abhiyaan’ programme organised by a corporate group.

India warns of ‘likely humanitarian consequences’ after US H-1B visa fee hike

India2 hr ago

India voices concerns over new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa, citing humanitarian impact and family disruptions. Government urges US to address issues, while industry and policymakers study the move for mutual benefits. September 21 deadline for H-1B visa holders to return to US could affect skilled Indian professionals, who make up 72% of beneficiaries.

View all shorts

Live Blog