Status of Literacy in District Sirmaur of Himachal Pradesh: A Geographical Analysis of Shillai Community Development Block

By : Kumari Sapna , D.D Sharma

Page No: 193-206

Abstract
Education serves as a fundamental pillar for a nation’s advancement, playing a crucial role in narrowing societal gaps and empowering women. This study examines the development of educational infrastructure in the Shillai Block of Himachal Pradesh from 2001 to 2022 using secondary data. The study assesses the availability of different levels of educational institutions and analyses the disparities in the developmental levels. The Z-score method has been used to analyse the developmental level of the educational institute at the village level. The analysis of data shows an improvement in accessibility up to middle school, while the disparity persists at other levels. It has been found that the literacy rate of the Shillai block is the lowest among all six blocks of District Sirmaur. Geographical isolation, tough terrain, inadequate infrastructure, and socioeconomic constraints create significant barriers to education in the study area. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address gaps and promote equitable access to quality education.

Authors
Kumari Sapna, Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
D.D. Sharma, Professor, Department of Geography, Himachal University, Shimla.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/ATNAGI.2025.45.01.11