The correct answer is: a) Significantly lower than the national average.
The literacy rate of Manipur is 76.9%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 77.7%. This means that about 23% of the population of Manipur is illiterate. There are a number of factors that contribute to the low literacy rate in Manipur, including poverty, lack of access to education, and the prevalence of child labor.
Poverty is a major obstacle to education in Manipur. Many families cannot afford to send their children to school, and those who do often have to drop out early to work to support their families. Lack of access to education is another major problem. There are not enough schools in Manipur, and those that do exist are often overcrowded and poorly equipped. This makes it difficult for students to get a quality education.
The prevalence of child labor is another factor that contributes to the low literacy rate in Manipur. Many children in Manipur are forced to work to support their families, and this leaves them with little time or opportunity to attend school.
The government of Manipur is working to improve the literacy rate in the state. They have implemented a number of programs to increase access to education, and they are also working to reduce poverty and child labor. However, there is still a long way to go, and the literacy rate in Manipur is likely to remain low for some time to come.
Option b) is incorrect because the literacy rate of Manipur is not slightly lower than the national average. The literacy rate of Manipur is 76.9%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 77.7%.
Option c) is incorrect because the literacy rate of Manipur is not about equal to the national average. The literacy rate of Manipur is 76.9%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 77.7%.
Option d) is incorrect because the literacy rate of Manipur is not higher than the national average. The literacy rate of Manipur is 76.9%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 77.7%.