Thiruvananthapuram: The second phase of the survey conducted by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) as part of its equivalency programme has identified 5,342 illiterates in various parts of Wayanad. Of them, 3,133 are women and 2,209 men. Of the illiterates, 2,993 were between the ages of 15 and 50 and 2,349 above 50. The second phase survey was held in 200 Oorus covering 4,371 people.
A total of 16,799 persons were surveyed at Manthavadi, Sultan Battery and 23 grama panchayats. The report of the survey was handed over by KSLMA director P.S. Sreekala to General Education Minister C. Raveendranath here on Wednesday. Agriculture Minister V.S. Sunilkumar was also present.
The survey also identified those who studied up to fourth, seventh, tenth standards and higher secondary. There were 1642 who completed fourth standard, 2402 who passed fourth standard but failed seventh standard, 2285 who could not pass 10th standard and 1208 who could not complete higher secondary education.
The classes for illiterates will begin in December first week. Adivasis will also be given free education for equivalency programmes till higher secondary based on the finding of the survey.
Earlier, a UNESCO team which visited the state in September had found that the infrastructure for providing literacy was destroyed in Wayanad. A total of 13 Oorus have been affected by the floods completely and 10 partially.
