formed to address the issue. Demographics As of the 2001 India census, Dandeli had a population of 53,287. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Dandeli has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 65%: male literacy is 81% and female literacy is 68%. In Dandeli, 11% of the population is under six years of age. Kannada is the widely spoken language in the region. Dandeli's population was higher in the past, but lack of employment has forced people to migrate elsewhere. Jobs pay poorly, and traditional businesses have been disappearing for lack of customers. The West Coast Paper Mills is one of the largest employers in the town and the primary landowner; the mill has its own quarters, shopping complex, theatre, restaurant, playground, and a clubhouse for the employees. The company was promoted by Shree Digvijay Cement Company Limited, Sikka, Gujarat State in 1955. This company is also the main contributor to unpleasant odor affecting an otherwise very pleasant city. Schools in Dandeli St Michaels Convent School (Primary and High School) Rotary School (Primary and High School) Janata Vidyalaya (Primary and High school both Kannada and English medium) DFA School Anglo Urdu High School (Muslim Education Society Dandeli) Government School Kanya Vidyalaya Tauheed Education Society Bangur Nagar Hindi Higher Secondary School (Dandeli Education Society Hindi School) BLDE Education Society Govt. School Bilpar Dandeli (Primary and High school) Bangur Nagar Kannada Higher Primary School Adarsh Vidyalaya School (Ambewadi) Government Primary School (Ambewadi) Paridyan School Pre-university colleges Bangur Nagar Pre-University Composite Junior College Janata Vidyalaya Tauheed Education Society Government College Old Dandeli Kanya Vidyalaya Pre-university College Dandeli K.L.E. Society's Institute of Nursing Sciences, Dandeli Degree colleges DES Bangaur Nagar Degree College Govt Degree College Govt Degree College (Old Dandeli) Other institutions Sarvatomukh Vikas Kendra Dandeli (RI) S.V.K.'s Andakarimth Udyog Margadarshi Kendra Dandeli Kali Seva Pratistan Ganesh Nagar Dandeli Govt. Tool Room & Training Centre: Ambewadi Industrial Estate Asha Kiran Rural Private Industrial Training Institute, Ambewadi, under the aegis of Karwar Diocesan Development Council, Bishop's House, Karwar S.U.C. Polytechnic Dandeli VTU- National Academy for Skill Development Dandeli News and media Lokadhwani, Deccan Herald, Prajavani, Vijaya Vani, Karavali Munjavu, Kannada Janantarang, Sayukta Karnataka, Tarun Bharat, the Times of India and Vijay Karnataka, and Dandeli Nakshatra (Stopped News Paper) are the major local newspapers in the region. Tourism Stay in Dandeli Dandeli resorts have become an attraction