Regional Variations in Educational Attainment in South Kankan Region Of Maharashtra

Abstract: Education is a powerful instrument of human resource development. It helps in the process of desired social transformation and the achievement of national goals and priorities (Haldar-2012). Education is the key factor for the rapid development of any country or state. It is not only the fruit of contemplation but an instrument of change also. Knowledge is linked with literacy and a formal education system. The spread of value and attitude can most effectively be achieved through education. Education is one of the important needs of life. A low degree of literacy is an obstacle to economic growth. The successful national planning and development policies for insuring balanced development is possible only when socio-cultural aspect like education is looked in proper perspective (Bhuiyan R.H and Banarjee S.). The present study shows the regional variations in the levels of educational attainment in the South Konkan region. In 1991 two tehsils namely Guhagar (0.58) and Lanja (0.59) from Ratnagiri district were in the category of less developed. There was not a single tehsil from Sindhudurg district in the category of less developed. It indicates that educational attainment in Sindhudurg district is much better than Ratnagiri district. Number of tehsils in the category of highly developed are increased from 1 tehsils in 1991 to 12 tehsils in 2011. It is good sign of educational development in the region. It is due to the mass movement in the field of education carried out in the region. Adult literacy centers started in the region in the decade of 1990 and afterwards, played an important role in increasing proportion of literacy in aged group of population. It clearly indicates that educational attainment in Sindhudurg district was comparatively better in South Konkan region than Ratnagiri District. However, These imbalances and inequalities should be addressed in coming future by the policy makers, administrators and political leaders. More attentions should be paid in the equal distribution of educational facilities.