A STUDY OF WOMEN'S EDUCATION WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO WEST BENGAL

Abstract

Education is the most important aspect in the progress of mankind. It guides individuals, communities and nations to achieve their full potential and advancement. History demonstrates that the women have been denied from education in India for a long duration. Women's right to education is currently guaranteed under the Constitution. This article examines how women's educational status in West Bengal affects their engagement in the workforce. Education promotes self-reliance, consciousness and independence from socio-economic constraints. Education empowers individuals to overcome socio-economic constraints. The survey indicates a considerable increase in education levels in West Bengal over the past decade. Furthermore, the rate of labour participation by educated women is steadily growing, particularly in the major employment sectors. However, women in marginalised and unorganised job sectors face educational constraints. Rural women's educational levels differ significantly from those in metropolitan areas. Educating illiterates is crucial due to the strong link between literacy and production, as well as improved health, cleanliness, sanitation and family welfare. This study analyses West Bengal's recent initiatives for women's higher education, employment and welfare. The literacy rate of females in West Bengal grew from 36.56% in 1981 to 46.56% in 1991, 60.22% in 2001, and 71.16% in 2011, according to the Census. In 2023, the female literacy rate in rural areas is 72.6, while in urban areas it is 84.7.