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Hans India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
After Mizoram and Goa, Tripura to be declared fully literate state tomorrow
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha will on Monday formally declare his state as a fully literate one -- the third to join the distinguished list after Mizoram and Goa, an official of the Education Department said on Sunday, adding that senior officials of the Union Ministry of Education and others are also expected to attend the historic event. He said that after Mizoram and Goa, Tripura would become the third state in India to attain this distinction. 'Monday's declaration would be a shining example of a revolutionary social achievement. Behind this remarkable achievement of the state government lies the successful implementation of the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – New India Literacy Programme', the official said. According to the PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) report published for the financial year 2023–24, Tripura's literacy rate stood at 93.7 per cent. With the recent successes of the 'ULLAS' campaign, this figure has now risen to 95.6 per cent. As per the criteria set by the government of India, states or Union Territories achieving over 95 per cent literacy are granted the status of 'Fully Literate'. Tripura is now set to receive this distinguished recognition. Formed in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, ULLAS was launched in 2022, the official said, adding that its aim is to bring every adult citizen in the country under the umbrella of literacy by 2027. He said that Tripura has remained at the forefront of this mission with organised and dedicated efforts. Under the leadership of the School Education Department, the State Literacy Mission Authority, SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training), retired teachers, students from schools and colleges, and trained personnel from various levels worked together tirelessly, the official said. Committees were formed earlier at the state, district, and block levels to implement the mission. According to the official, educational materials were prepared in Bengali, English, and tribal Kokborok languages, teachers and officials were specially trained; and students were engaged as volunteers. Through the relentless efforts of 2,228 volunteer teachers, 943 Social Awareness Centers, and the active involvement of the Youth Literacy Corps, the light of education has reached even the remotest corners of Tripura. Some opened classrooms in their courtyards, while others taught the basics of literacy in hill markets. The journey to this milestone was not an easy one. In 1961, the literacy rate of the state was merely 20.24 per cent. Overcoming numerous challenges, the state's literacy steadily rose, reaching 87.22 per cent in the 2011 census. At that time (2011), Tripura ranked as the third highest literate state in the country after Kerala and Mizoram. However, earlier literacy programmes mostly focused only on basic signature skills. The current government has moved beyond that approach, emphasising functional literacy. The goal was not only to impart basic literacy but also to ensure education in financial awareness, digital transactions, basic arithmetic, and various other practical skills through well-planned initiatives. The official further said that Monday's declaration would mark a historic moment in the state's journey. Behind this success lies the hard work, empathy, and dedication of countless individuals. This achievement will not only bring immense pride to Tripura but also serve as an inspiration for others, he stated.
Indian Express
08-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
What Mizoram, Goa's ‘fully literate' tag under the ULLAS program means
Last month, Mizoram and Goa declared themselves to be 'fully literate' states under ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), a literacy programme for people over 15 who may not have attended school. While Goa's literacy rate was 99.72%, Mizoram's stood at 98.2%. These states followed Ladakh, which was the first in the country to have declared itself 'fully literate' under the scheme in June last year, having 'achieved more than 97% literacy'. Launched by the Centre, the ULLAS scheme (also known as the New India Literacy Programme) is being implemented from 2022 to 2027. It aims to equip 5 crore 'non-literate individuals' over the age of 15 across the country with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, which means basic reading and writing and simple arithmetic learnt in primary classes. The teaching material is also meant to impart 'critical life skills' like financial and digital literacy. Working with schools and officials, states and Union Territories have identified people who need such education through door-to-door surveys. They are then taught by registered volunteers – school students, students from higher education and teacher education institutions, and community members. The NCERT has developed the learning material, and the states have done it in their local languages. A mobile app is available for teaching and learning, but it can also be done offline. ULLAS is the latest of the adult literacy programmes rolled out by the Indian government since the 1950s. This includes programmes targeting farmers and women in the 1960s and '70s, and a country-wide programme called the National Adult Education Programme for the 15-35 age group. Then came the National Literacy Mission from 1988 to 2009 for this bracket. The UPA government launched the 'Saakshar Bharat' (Literate India) scheme in 2009, and it ran until 2018. It equipped those aged 15 and above with functional literacy and was also linked to opportunities for skill development and further education. ULLAS also includes these goals. How has the scheme fared so far? Learners are administered the Functional Literacy Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) – a 150-mark reading, writing and numeracy test, conducted in different languages. Upon passing the test, the learner is certified by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) as having acquired foundational literacy and numeracy. An official in the Ministry of Education said that from March 2023 onwards, 1.77 crore people have appeared for FLNAT across 33 states/UTs. While the Centre provides the question paper, states contextualise it and translate it into local languages. The ULLAS website says there are around 2.43 crore registered learners, and 1.03 crore people have been certified so far. Data from the tests conducted in 2024 show varying performance across states. In Tamil Nadu and Goa, 100% of those who appeared for FLNAT passed. The official said that nationally, on average, 90% of those who appear pass. In last year's tests, Gujarat and Tripura had a lower-than-average pass percentage – 87.07% and 75.97%, respectively. It stood at a little over 85% in Uttarakhand and Jharkhand, over 95% in Punjab, Assam and UP, and a little more than 99% in Delhi and Rajasthan. In Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Mizoram, more than 70% of those who appeared for the test last year were women. This figure is over 65% in Odisha, UP, Assam, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Delhi. How is 'full literacy' defined? The Ministry of Education wrote to the states in August last year, defining 'literacy' and '100% literacy' for ULLAS. Literacy was defined as 'the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension i.e to identify, understand, interpret and create, along with critical life skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy etc.' It added that achieving 95% literacy in a State/UT may be considered equivalent to being fully literate. The communication also referred to the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for government initiatives for adult education to 'expedite the all-important aim of achieving 100% literacy'. It mentioned the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which include ensuring that 'all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy' by 2030. States were urged to strive towards this goal. Goa, Mizoram, and Ladakh have said they surpassed the 95% literacy mark. Key to this is ensuring that people identified as non-literate after ULLAS take the FLNAT. According to an SCERT official in Goa, data from 116 of the state's panchayats and municipalities report literacy rates between 95% and 100%. In the remaining 89 panchayats/municipalities/ municipal corporations, the state identified 6,299 non-literate people, and under ULLAS, 2,136 were trained and cleared FLNAT. Not all identified people could be trained. Several were elderly and could not or did not want to participate, the official said. 'At the panchayat level, over 80 panchayats declared themselves to be 100% literate after conducting a survey. Considering the population from the last census, and the non-literate people who were identified (under ULLAS), the literacy rate of 99.72% was arrived at,' the official said. In Mizoram, an SCERT official pointed to data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). The 2023-24 PLFS annual report shows a literacy rate of 98.2% among those aged 7 and above. Mizoram identified 3,026 non-literate people in 2023, and 1,692 were trained under ULLAS. Ladakh had identified over 32,000 non-literate people under ULLAS. Around 7,300 learners appeared for FLNAT in Ladakh in the first phase, then over 22,000 in the second phase in 2023, and over 4,600 in the third phase in early 2024. In June 2024, it was declared 'fully literate' under ULLAS. What do other surveys show? According to the 2023-24 PLFS report, Goa has a literacy rate of 93.6%, while Ladakh has a literacy rate of 81% among those aged 7 and above. PLFS identifies a person who can both read and write a simple message with understanding in at least one language as 'literate'. The 2011 census reported a national average literacy rate of 74.04%, and an adult literacy rate (of those aged 15 and above) of 69.3%, up from 61% in 2001. This translates to 25.76 crore non-literate individuals, comprising 9.08 crore males and 16.68 crore females. In the 2011 census, Goa had a literacy rate of 88.7%, while Mizoram recorded 91.3%. The highest figure of 94% was recorded in Kerala. At an event last year, School Education Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sanjay Kumar, said: 'We are trying that in those States where literacy levels are high, we can try and make them 100% literate via ULLAS. According to the figures I have with me, there is Goa, Mizoram, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry.'
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
With over 95% literacy, Goa becomes the second state fully literate under ULLAS
Panaji: Goa has become the second state in India to be officially declared fully literate under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. 'Our sustained collective efforts to strengthen the education sector with new advancements, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have yielded results,' chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Friday, commemorating the state's 39th Statehood Day. Goa, which was elevated from a union territory (UT) to a state in 1987, became the second state after Mizoram to be declared a fully functionally literate state. Joint secretary of India's education ministry Archana Awasthi said that Goa has met the criteria to be declared a state that is fully literate. Under the Centre's ULLAS scheme, a state is considered fully literate when its literacy rate exceeds 95%. Also Read: Mizoram declared fully literate state under ULLAS initiative The ULLAS scheme is for individuals aged 15 and above who have somehow lost the opportunity to go to school and have been left behind in literacy. It provides them a second chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society. It works under the vision --- volunteerism. Sawant said that Goa had achieved around 94% literacy earlier this year and identified people, including those above 80, who were then given reading and writing classes to help get literate. 'I thank those especially those above 80 who have taken these classes at a late stage in life and decided to become literate,' Sawant added.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Mizoram India's First Fully Literate State: Here's How The State Achieved this Milestone
Aizawl: In a historic milestone for the nation's educational landscape, Mizoram has officially been declared the first fully literate state in India under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. The declaration was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma during a celebratory event at the Mizoram University (MZU) Auditorium. Union Minister of State for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, and Mizoram's Education Minister, Dr Vanlalthlana, attended the event as Guests of Honour. Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena chaired it and delivered the welcome address. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Lalduhoma described the achievement as a "transformational milestone" and a proud moment for Mizoram. "This is not merely a statistic, but a testament to the discipline, determination, and vision of our people," he said. The Chief Minister particularly lauded the efforts of 1,692 adult learners who overcame personal and societal barriers to pursue education later in life. He emphasised that the declaration marks not the end, but a new beginning for Mizoram. "Let this be the dawn of an era of opportunity, empowerment, and inclusion," he stated, urging citizens to pursue digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship as the next frontiers. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary congratulated the people of Mizoram, calling the achievement a proud day not only for the state but for the entire nation. He praised Mizoram's inclusive approach to education and expressed optimism that the state would continue to lead in lifelong learning and skill development. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023-2024), Mizoram has achieved a literacy rate of 98.2%, surpassing the ULLAS requirement of 95% literacy to be recognised as a fully literate state. The achievement is the result of sustained and coordinated efforts by the School Education Department under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram) playing key roles. The initiative was supported by the State Centre for Literacy (SCL) under SCERT, which developed learning materials in the Mizo language as well as English for learners in specific districts. Volunteerism was also central to the campaign's success. Over 3,000 individuals aged 15 and above were identified as illiterate, and 1,692 of them enrolled in literacy programs. Classes were conducted by 292 Volunteer Teachers in schools, community halls, libraries, and even in homes when needed. With this landmark declaration, Mizoram emerges as a beacon of educational progress and inclusive development, setting a precedent for other Indian states to follow.
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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Mizoram declared India's first fully literate state, confirms CM Lalduhoma
Mizoram has become the first state in India to be officially declared fully 'literate' under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. The milestone was announced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday during a formal ceremony at the Mizoram University Auditorium, in the presence of Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana and Union Minister of State for Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary. 'Today marks a historic moment in the journey of our state – one that will be remembered by generations to come. A total of 1,692 persons who, despite having missed earlier educational opportunities, demonstrated extraordinary determination and a will to learn, even in later stages of life,' the CM said on the occasion. Chaudhary praised Mizoram's commitment to inclusive growth through education. 'This is a proud day not just for Mizoram, but for the entire nation,' he added. Mizoram becomes first fully literate state in India: The mission The CM claimed that the School Education Department's persistent efforts, especially through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram), were responsible for the historic achievement. Under the direction of Samagra Shiksha Mizoram's State Project Office, the state government formed an Executive Committee and Governing Council under the State Literacy Mission Authority. The State Center for Literacy was established under SCERT in order to assist the purpose. It created Vartian, a Mizo language study resource, and an English translation for students in the Lawngtlai district. Other tools were developed, including Margdarshika for Volunteer Teachers and Romei for Students. According to the CM, 3,026 illiterate people aged 15 and older were identified by Cluster Resource Center Coordinators acting as surveyors for the New India Literacy Programme, of whom 1,692 indicated a desire to study. Kerala was ranked as the most literate state in the 2011 Census, followed by Mizoram, which has a population of only about 11 lakh. Mizoram, India's First Fully 'Literate State': The ULLAS foundation The state ranked 3th in India with a literacy rate of 91.33%, according to the 2011 Census. In accordance with the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023–2024), Mizoram achieved a literacy rate of 98.2%, making it the first fully literate state, according to an official statement released by the Mizoram government. This is in accordance with the ULLAS plan, which requires a minimum literacy rate of 95 percent. To identify and teach the remaining non-literate people, officials added, the ULLAS- Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society and Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram were put into place. Surveys were carried out using estimates from the 2011 census data. According to officials, 292 volunteer teachers in all, students, educators, resource people, and Cluster Resource Center Coordinators volunteered to lead this mission. According to them, Mizoram has achieved complete literacy as a consequence of community mobilization, devotion, and teamwork.
