Marking a major milestone in India’s literacy mission, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant announced Goa as a fully literate state under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram during the 39th Statehood Day celebrations in Panaji.
Goa becomes the second state in India to cross the nationally prescribed 95% literacy benchmark, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goal of achieving full literacy by 2030.
While the PLFS 2023–24 pegged Goa’s literacy rate at 93.60%, the state’s comprehensive survey confirmed it has achieved full literacy.
A whole-of-government approach powered this success, with active involvement from departments including Panchayats, Social Welfare, Planning & Statistics, Municipal Administration, and Women & Child Development. These departments identified and mobilised non-literate individuals across the state.
Swayampurna Mitras and field workers led awareness drives, helped citizens complete literacy certifications, and guided them through ULLAS learning modules. The Goa Education Department, SCERT, school heads, and volunteers also played key roles.
ULLAS (2022–2027) is a centrally sponsored adult education scheme aligned with NEP 2020. It targets non-literate adults aged 15+ with five components: Foundational Literacy & Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education.
Also Read: India’s first fully literate state – Mizoram
So far, over 2.4 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteers have registered on the ULLAS mobile app, with 1.77 crore learners appearing for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment.
Goa now stands as a model for people-centric, volunteer-led literacy drives and reinforces the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
