As per 2001 census, Bihar had a literacy rate of 47 per cent which was only a little higher than the national literacy rate of 43.6 per cent in 1981.
"In other words, the state is nearly two decades behind the nation vis-a-vis its literacy status. Between 1991 and 2001, the literacy rate increased in Bihar by 9.3 per cent (37.7 to 47 per cent). At this rate, total literacy in Bihar is more than half a century away, while for India it can be expected in about two decades from now," the survey pointed out.
It said in spite of reduction in gender disparity, literacy rates were lowest among the female population, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and the rural population.
SOURCE-(www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=358802&sid=NAT&ssid)
