Illiteracy means inability of a person to read and write in any language. Amartya Sen described illiteracy as one of unfreedoms.

Causes:

1. Population explosion: India is the second most populous country in the world. It consists of 17.5% of World’s total population. The population of Karnataka has increased to 6.11 crores. Hence, it has become a challenging task for the Government to provide literacy.

2. Poverty: Due to poverty, majority of the children suffer form malnutrition and anaemia. Parents from poor and low income families, find it difficult to send their children to schools.

3. Social backwardness: Hierarchical caste system, inferiority complex among people, ignorance about importance of education, taboos have prevented large number of people from getting literate. Further, a large percentage of girls, particularly in rural areas have been denied access to primary education due to customs, traditions and the practice of gender inequality.

4. Child labour: Prevalence of child labour due to poor socioeconomic conditions is seen all over India. According to National Crime Record Bureau Report, there were 2 crores child labourers, across the country in 2011. They are working in hotels, small scale industries, carpet weaving, fire works, etc. All these hinder them from getting primary education.

5. Poor infrastructure: Most of the schools across the country have no proper buildings, required number of qualified teachers and study materials. The school environment is also not conducive for learning and teaching. There is lack of adequate transport facilities for school children, particularly in the rural areas.