Introduction:
The passage discusses the causes of illiteracy among individuals and highlights the significant impact literacy has on access to education and life outcomes. It further identifies poor educational infrastructure as the primary reason for the declining rate of education. The prevalence of illiteracy in India is also attributed to the majority of Indians being unable to afford higher education.

Causes of Illiteracy:
- Illiteracy among individuals can be attributed to various causes, which are generally interconnected.
- Lack of access to quality education, limited resources, and socioeconomic factors are some of the primary reasons for illiteracy.
- Inadequate infrastructure, such as the absence of schools or poorly equipped educational institutions, hampers the learning process.
- Additionally, cultural and societal norms, gender discrimination, and language barriers can also contribute to illiteracy.

Impact of Literacy:
- Literacy plays a crucial role in determining an individual's access to education and life outcomes.
- It empowers individuals to participate actively in society, access better job opportunities, and improve their overall quality of life.
- Literate individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions, advocate for their rights, and contribute to the development of their communities.

Poor Educational Infrastructure:
- The declining rate of education can primarily be attributed to the poor educational infrastructure in the country.
- Inadequate funding, lack of qualified teachers, and insufficient learning resources contribute to the ineffective delivery of education.
- Without proper infrastructure, students may not have access to necessary facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, or technology, hindering their learning process.

Prevalence of Illiteracy in India:
- Illiteracy is widely prevalent in India, and one of the key factors contributing to this is the inability of the majority of Indians to afford higher education.
- Higher education often comes with a significant financial burden, making it inaccessible for many individuals, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- The lack of affordable educational opportunities perpetuates the cycle of illiteracy, hindering social mobility and exacerbating income inequalities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, illiteracy arises from various interconnected causes, including limited access to quality education, socioeconomic factors, and cultural barriers. Literacy has a profound impact on an individual's access to education and life outcomes. The declining rate of education is primarily a result of poor educational infrastructure in the country, which hampers effective learning. In India, the prevalence of illiteracy is also attributed to the majority of Indians being unable to afford higher education, perpetuating the cycle of illiteracy and contributing to income inequalities.