One in three Chhattisgarh residents still illiterate: Estimates

Raipur | Correspondent: As preparations begin for the 2027 Census, new estimates have highlighted a major literacy challenge in Chhattisgarh. According to projections by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, more than one-third of the state's population, around 1.04 crore people, will remain illiterate by March 2027.

The state's population is expected to reach nearly 3.15 crore by 2027. Of these, about 2.1 crore people are projected to be literate, while nearly 1.05 crore people may still lack basic reading and writing skills.

The data also points to a significant gender gap. The male literacy rate is estimated at 83.01%, while the female literacy rate stands at 68.16%, indicating that women continue to lag in access to education.

Raipur presents a striking contrast. While the capital has the highest literacy rate in the state at 86.46%, it also has the largest number of illiterate people-around 6.75 lakh-because of its large population.

Senior educationist and government advisor Dr. Jawahar Surisetti described the situation as a "development emergency". He said illiteracy today is not limited to an inability to read and write but also affects access to technology, healthcare services, employment opportunities and government benefits.

To improve literacy levels, the state government launched a special literacy campaign in September 2024. The programme aims to teach basic reading and writing skills to 10 lakh adults with the help of nearly one lakh volunteer teachers under the State Literacy Mission.

The campaign is also being supported through the Centre's ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme). However, officials say achieving literacy targets remains difficult in the Maoist-affected districts of Bastar due to difficult terrain and long-standing security challenges.