In order to propel India towards its literacy goals, the Department of School Education and Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, has unveiled a refined and comprehensive definition of literacy tailored to the Indian context. This initiative, a crucial step under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.6, which aims to ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030.
Addressing the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi on February 6, 2024, Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that the ULLAS scheme lays the foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and highlighted the pivotal role of literacy in realising this vision as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The National Education Policy 2020 underscores the importance of innovative government initiatives for adult education. It calls for community involvement and the integration of technology to expedite the nation’s goal of achieving 100% literacy. The policy draws a direct link between literacy rates and per capita GDP, pointing out the numerous disadvantages faced by non-literate individuals, from financial transactions to job applications, understanding media and technology, and participating in higher productivity sectors.
Recognising the need for a clear and inclusive definition of literacy, the Department of School Education and Literacy has expanded the traditional understanding of literacy 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, financial literacy, etc.” This updated definition ensures that individuals are equipped to engage in and contribute to society fully.
Additionally, the Department has set a benchmark for what constitutes full literacy within the Indian context, stating that “achieving ninety-five per cent literacy (95%) in a State/UT may be considered equivalent to fully literate.” This enhanced definition was developed through a collaborative process involving experts from NCERT, UNESCO, and other educational advisors. The consensus reached during this process emphasises the need for a literacy framework that meets global standards while being firmly rooted in India’s unique socio-cultural landscape.
The introduction of this comprehensive literacy definition marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward full literacy. It reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to attain 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 further demonstrates the effectiveness of these efforts. It sets a benchmark for other regions to follow.
The Government of India has called upon all stakeholders to renew their efforts in promoting literacy and to work collaboratively towards the shared goal of a fully literate nation. This initiative represents a critical step in fulfilling the vision outlined in NEP 2020 and ensuring that India continues to make strides towards achieving full literacy by 2030, with ULLAS leading the way to a ‘Jan Jan Saakshar’ (Literate Society).
