(6,951), Panchla (26,432) and Sahapur (9,022). Large villages in Panchla CD Block (2011 census figures in brackets): Jala Bishwanathpur (8,569), Ranihati (4,662) and Sankhali (4,290). Literacy As per 2011 census the total number of literates in Panchla CD Block was 173,656 (78.98% of the population over 6 years) out of which 93,494 (54%) were males and 80,162 (46%) were females. As per 2011 census, literacy in Howrah district was 78.66%. Literacy in West Bengal was 77.08% in 2011. Literacy in India in 2011 was 74.04%. As per 2001 census, Panchla block had a total literacy of 71.42 per cent for the 6+ age group. While male literacy was 78.55 per cent female literacy was 63.95 per cent. Howrah district had a total literacy of 77.01 per cent, male literacy being 83.22 per cent and female literacy being 70.11 per cent. Language Bengali is the local language in these areas. Religion In 2011 census Hindus numbered 134,061 and formed 53.21% of the population in Panchla CD Block. Muslims numbered 117,444 and formed 46.62% of the population. Others numbered 425 and formed 0.17% of the population. In 2011, Hindus numbered 3,535,844 and formed 72.90% of the population in Howrah district. Muslims numbered 1,270,641 and formed 26.20% of the population. In West Bengal Hindus numbered 64,385,546 and formed 70.53% of the population. Muslims numbered 24,654,825 and formed 27.01% of the population. Economy Infrastructure Prior to 2003-04, Panchla CD Block had 68 hectares of vested land, out of which 49 hectares were distributed amongst 1,331 persons. In Panchla CD Block more than one crop was grown in 2,588 hectares. Net area sown in the block was 5,035 hectares. Panchla had 1,825 hectares of canals for irrigation. In Panchla CD Block 26 mouzas were electrified up to March 2004. Education In 2003-04, Panchla CD Block had 99 primary schools with 18,923 students, 4 middle schools with 1,396 students, 11 high schools with 9,111 students and 7 higher secondary schools with 8,593 students. Panchla CD Block had 1 general college with 778 students. Panchla CD Block had 233 institutions with 29,175 students for special and non-formal education. It had 2 mass literacy centres. Healthcare Panchla CD Block had 3 health centres, 6 clinics, 2 dispensaries and 1 hospital with 142 beds and 21 doctors in 2003. It had 30 family welfare centres. References Community development blocks in Howrah district