Role of Literacy Rate in the Socio-Economic Development of Parbhani District: A Geographical Analysis

Among the various population characteristics, the aspect of literacy is quite significant in the contest of the development process. It is believed that literacy in general brings about a much desired public awareness especially by way of their effective participation in development activities. Mass education, Adult education, free female education, distance education, through media and vocational training are some of the measures undertaken by the Central Government, State Government and Zilla Parishad in bringing about mass awakening. Apart from literacy as an indicator of development, the level of educational attainment needs to be understood especially in terms of the proportion of technical graduates, professional graduates and others including scientists. The data related to these aspects gives an insight in to the processes and stages of development. The level of education gives the best exposition of region development because of its dual functions, as cause and effect of modernization; it serves as a sensitive indicator of the level of development which a society possesses for its future progress. Education, in fact is the key to prosperity and the level of prosperity finds the instant expression in the educational standards of the people. It is the quality and level of education which prepares an individual for full participation in a rapidly changing social and economic order. It may, therefore, be employed as an indicator in determining region development.