Paper: GS – II, Subject: Society and Social Justice, Topic: Social sector- Education, Issue: Literacy rate in India.
Context:
Himachal Pradesh was declared fully literate in 2025 under ULLAS, achieving 99.3% literacy, reflecting progress in adult education, functional literacy, digital inclusion, and SDG-aligned development goals.
Key Takeaways:
Evolution of literacy programmes in India:
| 1950s | Adult literacy programmes initiated. |
| 1978 | National Adult Education Programme launched for age group 15–35. |
| 1988–2009 | National Literacy Mission targeted adult literacy. |
| 2009–2018 | Saakshar Bharat (Literate India Mission) aimed at ages 15+ with focus on functional literacy & numeracy. |
| 2022 | New India Literacy Programme (NILP), renamed ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society), launched. |
| 2025 | On International Literacy Day (8 September 2025), Himachal Pradesh declared fully literate, joining Goa, Ladakh, Mizoram, and Tripura. |
Literacy scenario in India:
- Literacy: Ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension; includes digital literacy, financial literacy, and life skills.
- Full Literacy: A State/UT achieving 95% literacy rate (considered equivalent to 100%).
- Latest update: Himachal Pradesh achieved 99.30% literacy (5th fully literate State/UT).
- Rising Literacy: Rose from 74% (2011 Census) to 80.9% (2023–24).
- PLFS 2023–24: Literacy rate 77.5% (age 7+).
States with Full Literacy (2025):
Lowest Literacy States:
Bihar (66.9%), Andhra Pradesh (68.5%), Madhya Pradesh (71.1%).
- Global challenge: 739 million adults lack literacy skills (UNESCO 2024).
Tests conducted:
- Foundational Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)
- Conducted under: ULLAS initiative.
- Target Group: Non-literate adults (15+ years).
- Test Language: Regional language (aligned with NEP 2020 multilingualism).
- Coverage: Reading, Writing, Numeracy (50 marks each; 150 total).
- Certification: Successful learners certified by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
| New India Literacy Programme (NILP) / Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (ULLAS) (2022–27):Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme, MoE.Aim: Eradicate adult illiteracy among 15+ age group; cover 5 crore learners (1 crore/year).Implementation: Volunteer-driven; student & community participation.Components:Foundational Literacy & NumeracyCritical Life Skills (digital, financial, legal, health)Basic Education (equivalent to Class 3, 5, 8)Vocational Skills DevelopmentContinuing Education (libraries, lifelong learning). |
Government Literacy Initiatives:
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan – Integrated school education.
- NEP 2020 – National Mission on Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (universal by 2025).
- NIPUN Bharat – Universal FLN by Class 3 (by 2026–27).
Significance of increased literacy:
- UN SDG 4: Ensure inclusive & equitable quality education, promote lifelong learning, achieve universal literacy.
- India’s progress: Increased literacy aligns with SDG-4 and NEP 2020 targets.
- Foundation for the future: Literacy is considered human right, foundation for empowerment, equality, and global citizenship.
Challenges of Illiteracy:
- Limited participation in financial transactions & jobs.
- Difficulty in using media & technology.
- Weak understanding of rights & responsibilities.
- Exclusion from productive and skilled sectors.
| International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025:Observed since: 1967 (UNESCO initiative, proclaimed 1966).Theme 2025: “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”Focus: Digital literacy, safe & critical engagement online.Opportunities: Expands learning access.Risks: Digital divide, exclusion, surveillance, misinformation, bias. |
Challenges of Illiteracy:
- Limited participation in financial transactions & jobs.
- Difficulty in using media & technology.
- Weak understanding of rights & responsibilities.
- Exclusion from productive and skilled sectors.
Future Outlook:
- Focus on low-literacy states such as Bihar, AP and MP.
- Strengthen digital literacy to prevent new marginalisation.
- Expand vocational & lifelong learning under NILP.
- Use tech-driven surveys & OTLAS platform to scale impact.
Conclusion:
Himachal Pradesh becoming fully literate reflects India’s progress toward universal functional literacy under NEP 2020 & SDG-4. The challenge remains in regional disparities and digital divide, making it essential to sustain efforts through ULLAS, community-driven participation, and targeted support for backward states.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/himachal-pradesh-fully-literate-10242199
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