31 May Goa Achieves 100% Functional Literacy: A Landmark in Education
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of Goa Achieves 100% Functional Literacy: A Landmark in Education
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS- 2 – Governance and Polity, Social Justice- Goa Achieves 100% Functional Literacy: A Landmark in Education
FOR PRELIMS
What is full functional literacy? Why is it important for India’s development?
FOR MAINS
What is full functional literacy? Why is it important for India’s development?
Why in the News?
Goa has been officially declared fully functionally literate under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme). The announcement was made by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant during the celebration of Goa’s 39th Statehood Day on 30th May 2025. With this, Goa becomes the second state in India to cross the nationally prescribed benchmark of 95% functional literacy, marking a key milestone towards achieving the NEP 2020 vision of full literacy by 2030.
Define Full Functional Literacy
Full Functional Literacy refers to the ability of an individual not only to read and write simple text but also to apply these skills effectively in daily life. It encompasses foundational literacy and numeracy, enabling individuals to comprehend, communicate, and perform basic arithmetic operations essential for everyday tasks. Functional literacy goes beyond basic education by integrating critical life skills, vocational training, and digital awareness, empowering people to make informed decisions and participate actively in socio-economic activities. It plays a vital role in fostering self-reliance, enhancing employability, and promoting inclusive development. Under schemes like ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, functional literacy is a key benchmark in the national mission to achieve universal adult education.
ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram: Key Data & Milestones (2025)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Duration | 2022–2027 |
| Target Group | Adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling |
| Total Beneficiaries | Over 77 lakh individuals have benefited nationwide |
| ULLAS Mobile App Registrations | More than 1.50 crore learners and 37 lakh volunteer teachers registered |
| FLNAT (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test) | |
| – 1st Test (19 Mar 2023) | 11 States/UTs participated; 22.37 lakh learners appeared; 91.27% pass rate |
| – 2nd Test (24 Sep 2023) | 13 States/UTs participated; 17.57 lakh learners appeared; 89.64% pass rate |
| – 3rd Test (17 Mar 2024) | 23 States/UTs participated; 33.29 lakh learners appeared; 88.6% pass rate |
| States/UTs Achieving Full Functional Literacy | |
| – Mizoram | Achieved 98.2% literacy rate; first state to surpass the 95% benchmark |
| – Goa | Declared 100% literate under ULLAS on 30 May 2025 |
| – Ladakh | Achieved over 97% literacy; first Union Territory to attain full functional literacy |
| Financial Outlay | Total: ₹1037.90 crore (Central Share: ₹700 crore; State Share: ₹337.90 crore) |
What is the significance of full functional literacy
1. Empowers Individuals: It equips citizens with essential reading, writing, and numeracy skills, enabling them to participate confidently in daily life, work, and community affairs.
2. Promotes Inclusive Development: Ensures that marginalised groups, especially women and rural populations, are not left behind in the socio-economic progress of the country.
3. Improves Governance and Civic Participation: Literate citizens are likelier to engage in democratic processes, access government schemes, and hold institutions accountable.
4. Boosts Economic Productivity: A functionally literate workforce contributes more effectively to the economy, especially in informal sectors and microenterprises.
5. Supports Public Health and Hygiene: Literacy improves understanding of healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene, leading to better public health outcomes.
6. Fosters Gender Equality: Literacy among women promotes greater decision-making power, financial independence, and educational opportunities for future generations.
7. Accelerates Digital Inclusion: Functional literacy is the foundation for digital literacy, helping people access online services, mobile apps, e-learning, and digital banking.
8. Contributes to Viksit Bharat Vision 2047: Full functional literacy is essential to achieving the larger national goal of a developed, inclusive, and empowered India.
Government. initiative to improve full functional literacy
| Initiative | Launched By / Year | Key Features | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram | Ministry of Education / 2022 | It covers foundational literacy, numeracy, life skills, and basic and vocational education. Uses tech and volunteerism. | Achieve full functional literacy by 2030 under NEP 2020 |
| Saakshar Bharat Mission | Govt. of India / 2009–2018 | Adult literacy in low-literacy districts: special focus on women. Lok Shiksha Kendras at the panchayat level. | Improve literacy among adults, especially women. |
| National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) | Govt. of India | Imparts digital skills to underserved individuals; enables access to online services. | Promote digital inclusion. |
| Padhna Likhna Abhiyan | Ministry of Education / 2020–21 | Community-driven campaign; use of volunteers to teach adult non-literates. | Eradicate adult illiteracy. |
| NEP 2020 Vision | Ministry of Education / 2020 | Lifelong learning focus: literacy and numeracy for all by 2026–27. | Universal literacy & numeracy; adult education. |
What are the challenges to achieving full functional literacy?
1. High Adult Illiteracy Rate: Many adults missed formal education, making literacy efforts complex and time-consuming.
2. Quality of Education: Poor teaching standards and a lack of trained educators affect foundational literacy and numeracy.
3. Socio-economic Barriers: Poverty, child labour, and household responsibilities limit access to education, especially for women and marginalised groups.
4. Language Diversity: India’s multilingual environment complicates uniform literacy programs and learning materials.
5. Digital Divide: Limited access to digital tools and the internet restricts digital literacy, which is crucial in the modern context.
6. Dropout Rates: High school dropout rates reduce literacy continuity and skill development.
7. Cultural Attitudes: Some communities undervalue formal education, especially for girls and adult learners.
8. Resource Constraints: Insufficient funding, infrastructure, and educational materials hamper literacy campaigns and outreach programs.
Way forward
1. Strengthen Adult Education Programs: Expand and improve adult literacy initiatives with flexible timings and relevant content.
2. Improve Quality of Teaching: Train teachers better and use innovative teaching methods focused on foundational skills.
3. Leverage Technology: Use digital tools, mobile apps, and e-learning platforms to reach remote and underserved populations.
4. Promote Multilingual Education: Develop learning materials in local languages to ensure better understanding and retention.
5. Increase Community Engagement: Involve local communities, NGOs, and volunteers to encourage education participation, especially for women and marginalised groups.
6. Address Socio-economic Barriers: Provide incentives, scholarships, and midday meals to reduce dropouts and support learners from poor backgrounds.
7. Integrate Literacy with Livelihood Skills: Combine literacy programs with vocational training to make education more practical and motivating.
8. Sustain Government Commitment: Ensure consistent funding, policy support, and monitoring mechanisms to maintain momentum in literacy efforts.
Conclusion
Achieving full functional literacy is a cornerstone for building an empowered, inclusive, and progressive society. Goa’s recent declaration as fully functionally literate under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram reflects the effective collaboration between government agencies, community volunteers, and citizens, setting a valuable example for other states. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as socio-economic barriers, quality of education, and digital divides must be addressed through sustained efforts, innovative approaches, and community involvement. Strengthening adult education, leveraging technology, and integrating literacy with livelihood skills are crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind in India’s ambitious journey towards universal literacy by 2030.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 31st May 2025
Prelims Questions
Q. With reference to the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, consider the following statements:
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched for adult education and lifelong learning.
2.It targets individuals aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling.
3. The scheme includes components such as digital skills, financial literacy, and vocational training.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Mains Questions
Q. What is meant by full functional literacy? Highlight its significance in the context of India’s developmental goals. Discuss the key government initiatives and challenges in achieving universal functional literacy by 2030 under the New Education Policy.
(250 words, 15 marks)
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