Government approves ‘ New India Literacy Programme, a new scheme of Adult Education for FYs 2022-27”

What is the news?

Government-approved a new scheme “New India Literacy Programme” for the period FYs 2022-2027 to cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020.

Further, as a progressive step, the government has also decided to use the term “Education For All” in place of “Adult Education.” This is because the terminology “Adult Education” is not incorporating appropriately all non-literates of 15 years and above age group.

About the status of Adult illiteracy in India

As per Census 2011, the absolute number of non-literates of the country in 15 years and above age group is 25.76 crore.  About 7.64 crore persons are certified as literates under the Saakshar Bharat programme. Hence, it is estimated that currently, around 18.12 crore adults are still non-literate in India.

About the New India Literacy Programme(NILP)

Implementing ministry: Ministry of Education in convergence with various Ministries and Departments will implement the scheme.

The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode. The training, orientation, workshops of volunteers, maybe organized through face-to-face mode.

Objective: To impart not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover other components which are necessary for a citizen of the 21st century. Such as

– critical life skills (financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare)

– vocational skills (with a view towards obtaining local employment); 

– basic education (including preparatory, middle, and secondary stage equivalency) and 

– continuing education (including engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, etc and recreation, as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners).

Intended beneficiaries: The scheme will cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all states/UTs.

Targets: The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy for FYs 2022-27 is 5 crore learners at one crore per year by using “Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS).”

Funding: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

Salient features of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP)

-School will be the Unit for the implementation of the scheme.

-Flexibility for States/UTs will be provided to undertake innovative activities.

-Foundational Literacy and Numeracy will be imparted through Critical Life Skills.

-CSR/Philanthropic Support may be received.

-Use of Technologies to impart Adult Education for wider coverage of the scheme.

-The Performance Grading Index (PGI) for State/UT and district level will show the performance of States and UTs on yearly basis by measuring progress through UDISE portal.

-The age cohort of 15-35 will be saturated first followed by ages 35 and above. Priority will be given in terms of categories to the Girls and women, SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, etc. who can substantially and immediately benefit from adult education.

-The focus will be on all aspirational districts, districts with literacy rates less than the National/State average, etc.

Source: This post is based on the article “Government approves ‘New India Literacy Programme, a new scheme of Adult Education for FYs 2022-27” published in PIB on 16th Feb 2022.