Urban and Rural Literacy in Punjab and Haryana: A Comparative Current Scenario and Changes during the Last Four Decades

The study examines the trend of literacy and gap between urban-rural literacy (1971-2011) in comparative mode among Punjab, Haryana and India. The study also analysis the spatial pattern of literacy as well as disparity between urban-rural literacy at district level between Punjab and Haryana and reveals that Punjab has recorded almost highest total and rural literacy as well as lowest gap between urban-rural literacy during the entire time period while India has recorded highest gap between urban-rural literacy as well as lowest total and rural literacy after 1971. Haryana was backward in literacy at all levels (total, urban and rural) up to 1971 but after this period, Haryana has recorded much progress. Rural literacy in Haryana is remaining highest during 2011 census while total literacy is recorded almost same to Punjab at same time. Gap between urban-rural literacy is decreased up to significant level however, it is still high, 11 per cent in Punjab and Haryana as well as 16 per cent at national level. Mewat district of Haryana and Mansa district of Punjab are very backward in literacy almost all levels. Palwal, Kaithal, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts of Haryana as well as almost western and southern districts of Punjab, contain low literacy.