The literacy rate in the country has gone up from 64.84 per cent to 74.04 per cent between 2001 and 2011. This information was given in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today by Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal.

He said the government is committed to establish a literate society and provide quality literacy to all irrespective of age and gender. He said the government is implementing the Saakshar Bharat programme since 2009-10 to provide literacy and continuing education to persons in the 15 plus age group. Saakshar Bharat has been sanctioned in 372 out of 410 targeted districts of 25 states and one union territory.

Up to 31st of March 2012, about 91 thousand AdultEducation Centres have been set up and survey has been completed in over 83 thousand gram panchayats. The Minister said over 534 lakh learners have been identified and 121 lakh beneficiaries have been certified as literates by the New Delhi-based National Institute of Open Schooling. Mr Sibal said the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, launched since 2001, has opened over 1.81 lakh primary schools and 1.52 upper primary schools.