The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed a concerning trend in the educational qualifications of candidates participating in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. According to their latest report, 121 candidates have declared themselves illiterate. The analysis of educational backgrounds by ADR shows a diverse spectrum of educational qualifications among the candidates.
Out of the total, 359 candidates reported having studied only up to the 5th grade, and 647 candidates stated that they have an education up to the 8th grade. Meanwhile, 1,303 candidates have completed up to the 12th grade, and 1,502 candidates have achieved a graduate degree. Additionally, there are 198 candidates with a doctorate degree.
In the first phase of the elections, 639 candidates reported their educational qualifications as being between the 5th and 12th grades, while 836 candidates had qualifications of graduate level or higher. Furthermore, 36 candidates declared themselves as just literate, 26 as illiterate, and four did not disclose their educational qualifications.
During the second phase, 533 candidates declared their education levels as between the 5th and 12th grades, while 574 candidates reported being graduates or higher. In this phase, 37 candidates declared themselves as just literate, eight as illiterate, and three did not provide their educational qualifications.
The third phase saw 639 candidates with educational qualifications between the 5th and 12th grades, and 591 candidates who declared themselves as graduates or higher. Additionally, 56 candidates were just literate, 19 were illiterate, and three did not disclose their educational qualifications.
In the fourth phase, 644 candidates reported their education levels as between the 5th and 12th grades, while 944 reported being graduates or higher. Thirty candidates declared themselves as just literate, and 26 were illiterate.
The fifth phase had 293 candidates with educational qualifications between the 5th and 12th grades, while 349 declared themselves graduates or with higher degrees. About 20 candidates were just literate, and five were illiterate. Two candidates did not disclose their educational qualifications.
In the sixth phase, 332 candidates declared their educational qualifications as between the 5th and 12th grades, while 487 reported being graduates or higher. Among them, 22 candidates held diplomas, 12 were just literate, and 13 were illiterate.
Finally, in the seventh phase, 402 candidates reported their educational qualifications as between the 5th and 12th grades, while 430 declared themselves as graduates or higher. This phase also saw 20 diploma holders, 26 candidates who were just literate, and 24 who were illiterate. Two candidates did not disclose their educational qualifications.
The elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4. As of now, five phases have been completed, with the sixth and seventh phases set for May 25 and June 1, respectively.
