Impact Of Female Literacy On Population Growth-A Study In Assam

Abstract

Education has an important role to play in the improvement of the economic and social status of women. It influences the number and spacing of children desired and eventually attained. This role has been recognized and emphasized at the United Nations conferences on population, notably at the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994. As observed from recent survey data education continues to exert a significant influence on fertility levels, preferences and regulation. At the aggregate level, countries with higher literacy rates and overall educational attainment have lower total fertility rates (TFRs) than countries whose population have lower education levels. The effect of a country’s overall level of education on its TFR exists in both developing and developed countries.
Among the eight north eastern states Assam has the highest population. As per the 2011 Census, the total population of Assam is 3.12 crores and it forms 2.58 percent of India’s population. In Assam, out of the total population of 3.12 crores, 1.59 crores are males while 1.53 crores are females. The total population of the state has increased from 2.67 crores in 2001 to 3.12 crores in 2011. The total population of Assam is expected to reach 3.42 crores in 2021 and 3.56 crores by 2026. Among the 27 districts, as per 2011 census, Kamrup, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Barpeta, Dhubri, Darrang and Cachar are with higher concentration of population. . According to the 2011 census study, the total literacy rate of Assam is 72.19 percent. The male literacy rate in the state being 77.85 percent and the female literacy rate being 66.27 percent Population growth and female literacy rate are two very important aspects for a developing country like India. The study related to the relationship between population growth and female literacy rate are few and far between in the state of Assam. To fill this research gap this study has been undertaken. The researchers have also made an effort to recommend certain policy prescription to combat the high growth of population in Assam.