Ladakh has become the first administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Program). Lieutenant Governor Dr. BD Mishra made this announcement during a celebration at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra in Leh on Tuesday.
The Union Territory has surpassed 97% literacy, marking a major success for the centrally sponsored scheme aimed at empowering adults aged 15 and above with foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical life skills.
At the event, which included the felicitation of neo-literates and volunteer teachers, Dr. Mishra encouraged new learners and volunteers to embrace lifelong learning. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the National Education Policy 2020, which he said “paves the way for the future growth of the country.”
Sanjay Kumar, representing the Ministry of Education, congratulated Ladakh’s residents and pledged continued support to improve the region’s school education system. Kumar highlighted the program’s volunteer-based model, with teachers registering through the ULLAS Mobile App to teach non-literate individuals without expectation of reward.
ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP), is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to empower those adults aged 15 years and above from all backgrounds who could not get due schooling and mainstream them with society to be able to contribute more to the growth story of the country.
It covers five key components: foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education.
The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make Bharat Jan Jan Saakshar, which is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented through volunteerism.
Nationwide, the program has benefited over 77 lakh people, with the ULLAS Mobile App engaging more than 1.29 crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers.
(Inputs from ANI)
