Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh): MP Sudhir Gupta recently raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the revised criteria for literacy assessment in India. He sought clarification from the Central Government on the reasons behind the change and whether any national goal has been set to achieve complete literacy by 2030.
Gupta also asked whether discussions have taken place with state governments, specifically for those with low literacy rates and whether any targeted strategies are in place for such states.
Responding to the query, Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, informed the House that the "ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram" is being implemented under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The scheme aims to promote literacy among individuals above the age of 15 who missed out on formal education.
So far, 35 States and Union Territories are participating, with 1.7 crore learners having appeared for the foundational literacy and numeracy test. Four regions, Goa, Tripura, Mizoram and Ladakh, have already achieved full literacy under this programme.
The NEP emphasises adult education and lifelong learning through active community involvement and integration of technology.
