Literacy and Socio-economic Marginalization of the Muslim Population in Malda District, West Bengal, India¹

Author： Siddiqui Farasat Ali Hussain Nazmul

ISSN： 1480-6800

Source： The Arab World Geographer, Vol.12, Iss.1-2, 2009-01, pp. : 62-75

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Abstract

Literacy and education are like oxygen for human beings in the contemporary technology-driven world and knowledge economy. Low levels of literacy and education impede national growth and violate human rights as well as the rights of religious communities; conversely, higher literacy rates bring social change, cultural advancement, and economic development. The present deductive study examines the reciprocal relationship between literacy and socio-economic determinants as a consequence of the low level of socio-economic development of the Muslim community in the Malda district of West Bengal, India. The study shows quantitatively that a higher literacy rate reduces both the proportion of the population under 6 years of age and overall population growth; it is also an impetus to higher urbanization and employment, which are indicators of human development. The article concludes with some suggestions to enhance Muslim literacy, which is an ultimate solution to reduce existing group disparities in socio-economic development in the district.