Government of India Redefines Literacy to Accelerate National Education Goals
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a significant move to advance the nation’s literacy objectives, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has unveiled a refined and comprehensive definition of literacy tailored to the Indian context.
This initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is designed to fast-track the achievement of full literacy across all States and Union Territories under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. The move also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6, which aims to ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030.
Foundation for a Developed India
Education Minister Highlights ULLAS Scheme
Speaking at the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi on February 6, 2024, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the foundational role of literacy in realizing the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The ULLAS scheme, he noted, is central to this vision, laying the groundwork for a literate and empowered society.
NEP 2020 and the Importance of Adult Education
Correlation Between Literacy and Economic Progress
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights the critical importance of adult education, particularly the need for innovative government initiatives that involve community participation and integrate technology to achieve 100% literacy. NEP 2020 underlines the correlation between literacy rates and per capita GDP, pointing out the various disadvantages non-literate individuals face, including challenges in financial transactions, job applications, media comprehension, technology use, understanding rights, and participation in higher productivity sectors.
A New Definition of Literacy
Expanding Beyond Basic Skills
In response to the evolving needs of society, the Department of School Education and Literacy has redefined literacy to extend beyond basic reading and writing skills. Literacy is now 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 and financial literacy.” This broader definition ensures that individuals are fully equipped to engage with and contribute to society. Additionally, the Department has set a benchmark for what constitutes 100% literacy in the Indian context: achieving 95% literacy in a State or Union Territory will be considered as equivalent to full literacy.
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Literacy
Expert Involvement in Defining Literacy
The new definition of literacy was developed through a collaborative process involving experts from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and UNESCO, among others. The consensus reached during a recent meeting chaired by senior educational advisors emphasizes the need for a literacy framework that meets global standards while being deeply rooted in India’s socio-cultural context.
Milestones in India’s Literacy Journey
Recent Achievements and Future Goals
The introduction of this enhanced definition marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward full literacy. It reinforces the Government’s commitment to providing every citizen with the foundational skills necessary for personal and societal advancement. The recent achievement of over 97% literacy in the Union Territory of Ladakh under the ULLAS scheme is a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts and serves as a benchmark for other regions to follow.
A Call to Action
Government Urges Collaborative Efforts
The Government of India urges all stakeholders to renew their efforts in promoting literacy and work collaboratively towards the shared goal of a fully literate nation. This initiative represents a crucial step in fulfilling the vision outlined in NEP 2020 and ensures that India continues to progress toward full literacy by 2030, making “Jan Jan Saakshar” (Every Citizen Literate) a reality through the ULLAS program.
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