The Numbers Game | Sex ratio, literacy: Small but steady Himachal has edge over Gujarat

The literacy rate in Gujarat grew from 61.29% in 1991, to 69.14 % in 2001 and 78.03% in 2011. In the corresponding period, Himachal saw a steady literacy rate growth: 63.86%, 76.48% and 82.80% respectively, ranking among the top five states now. In terms of literacy rates among men and women too, Himachal fared better than Gujarat — at 89.5% to 85.75% for men, and 75.92% to 69.67% for women.

While Himachal has a much higher share of the population belonging to Scheduled Castes compared to Gujarat (25.2% to 6.74%), its share of Scheduled Tribes is much lower (5.71% to 14.75%). Himachal ranks second in terms of share of Dalits in its population, next only to Punjab.