Which one of the following statements is correct? For the purpose of Census 2011

According to the Census of 2011, a person is considered literate if they are aged seven years or older and can both read and write with understanding in any language [1]. This definition emphasizes that formal education or passing a minimum educational standard is not a prerequisite for being classified as literate [1]. The census methodology treats all children below the age of seven as illiterate, regardless of their actual ability to read or write, because the 'effective literacy rate' is calculated specifically for the population aged seven and above [1]. This age threshold has been consistently applied since the 1981 Census; prior to that, the 1951, 1961, and 1971 censuses used a threshold of five years and above. The 2011 Census recorded a national literacy rate of approximately 73-74% based on this specific criteria [1].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 13: Cultural Setting > LITERACY RATE > p. 88