One Per Cent Rise In Literacy Rate Leads To 25 Per Cent Boost In Female Voter Turnout: SBI Report On 2024 Elections

A recent report by the State Bank of India has highlighted a compelling link between literacy and female voter turnout in India. The report reveals that for every 1 per cent increase in literacy rate, there is a corresponding 25 per cent rise in female voter turnout.

This significant correlation underscores the transformative impact of education on female political participation in the country.

The report estimates that the 1.8 crore incremental female voters in the 2024 general elections, compared to the 2019 elections, can largely be attributed to increased literacy levels. 

Specifically, the rise in literacy is responsible for an estimated 45 lakh additional female voters. 

"We find that a one per cent rise in literacy rate leads to a 25 per cent rise in female voter's turnout ratio implying that out of the 1.8 crores incremental female voters (2024 vs 2019 elections), 45 lakh female voters rise is attributable to a rise in literacy," the report states.

In addition to literacy, the report identifies several other factors contributing to higher female voter turnout. Employment schemes, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, have significantly influenced female voter participation, accounting for 36 lakh additional female voters. 

"Sanitation accounts for around 21 lakh incremental female voters' turnout in 2024 elections implying the paramount significance of sanitation in shaping the socio-political priorities," the report adds.

The report also highlights house ownership as a critical factor. Notably, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana has enabled increased homeownership among women, with 74 per cent of the houses sanctioned under this scheme being owned by women, either solely or jointly. 

The report estimates that this increase in house ownership has added 20 lakh female voters to the electorate.

Although access to electricity and drinking water sources also positively impacts female voter turnout, their influence was not found to be statistically significant.

The report further explores interstate differences in voter turnout. With an interclass correlation coefficient (Rho) of 0.629, it found that 62 per cent of the variation in female voter turnout is due to differences between states. 

This suggests that factors like literacy, employment, and sanitation have a positive impact on women across different regions.