The ascendency of India as an economic world power

Political leaders often say that education is the backbone of a country. For India, it is a mere rhetoric as 50% of people (between the ages of 5-29) do not attend any educational institution. India may shine in outsourcing and in GDP growth but the reality is that India is illiteracy is still a major problem for the country.

DNA India reported:

According to a recent survey of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), the literacy rate in India during 2004-05 was 64 per cent, with Kerala topping the list among the states with 83 per cent of its rural population and 85 per cent of its urban residents literate.

Bihar's rural areas had the lowest literacy rate -- 44 per cent, while the urban literacy rate was lowest in Rajasthan at 64 per cent.

The survey found that only about 50 of the people in the age group of 5-29 were currently attending any educational institution. They included 53 per cent males and 46 per cent females.

Not a rosy picture at all! We have to remember that India is shining in the service industry not in the manufacturing sector. So, it will be impossible for many of these people who never attended any school to find a job in future. Well, the sad thing is that Indian leaders are too busy with their celebration of Indian economic growth and success in outsourcing. So, they cannot find enough time to think about taking measures to increase literacy rate.