Both poverty and illiteracy are part of the complex system of deprivation and discrimination. Research studies and experiences around the World show that literacy affects human resource development dramatically increasing children participation in primary education reducing infant mortality, accelerating success in child care, immunisation, better health, better hygiene, better nutrition, small family norm, empowerment of women so on and so forth. There is a definite relationship between literacy and development. Literacy strengthens and sustains the process of development.
Literacy is both the cause and effect of development.
Literacy is one of the most important indicators of the socio-economic and political development of a society. In the nations 50 years of planned growth, more than half of the total population in India are still illiterate and continue to live under the poverty line. Increasing literacy rate, it is hoped, will definitely improve the economic growth of our country. The analysis of the present situation in India shows that the food production increased four times between 1951 and 1995. The life expectancy almost doubled to 61 years between 1961 and 1992.