A Decadal Analysis of Literacy Among Scheduled Tribes in Murshidabad District: 2001–2011

This present study conducts a comprehensive decadal analysis of literacy among Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, drawing on data from the Census of India for the years 2001 and 2011.The objective of this study is to evaluate the progress in literacy rates over the period, with a focus on gender and rural-urban disparities within the ST population.The findings reveal a significant improvement in literacy levels among STs, particularly among females.In rural areas, overall literacy among STs rose from 34.9% in 2001 to 50.05% in 2011, with female literacy showing an impressive growth from 24.0% to 42.0%.Urban STs displayed relatively higher literacy rates, improving from 58.0% to 72.56%, indicating better access to education and infrastructure in urban settings.Despite these gains, the ST population in Murshidabad district still trails behind the general population of the district, and even more so compared to the State (West Bengal) and National averages.The data points to a continued educational gap between tribal and non-tribal communities, and also between rural and urban areas.Moreover, while the gender gap in literacy has narrowed, it remains a concern, particularly in rural regions where cultural, economic, and infrastructural barriers persist.