The land of natural beauty, Ladakh has achieved a 97% literacy rate.
Apart from mesmerizing views, Ladakh is amazing because of its people and culture. Often regarded as one of the best tourist spots in India, Ladakh has achieved a remarkable milestone in terms of literacy rate. Currently, there are 8 union territories UTs) in India: Chandigarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi (NCT), Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Among these, Ladakh became the only UT to attain full literacy. In this article, we will discuss about this wonderful feat and prospects.
With 97% literacy rate, Ladakh has achieved the status of fully "functionally literate" administrative unit. It wouldn't be possible without ULLAS scheme. It is a Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP). This centrally sponsored scheme was started in 2022 with a 5-year planning. This initiative played a huge role in achieving this remarkable success.
At a function conducted at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK) in Leh, the lieutenant governor of Ladakh, BD Mishra, stated that “The accomplishment is indicative of the administration's dedication to enabling its people via Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN), a term that include fundamental abilities in reading, writing, and maths.”
ULLAS stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society, which envisions a “literate Bharat - Jan Jan Saakshar, fostering a sense of civic duty and driven by volunteerism.”
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) develped in 2020, ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram focuses “to empower adults aged 15 and above, regardless of background, who missed out on formal schooling, integrating them into society to enhance national development,” as mentioned in the website.
The programme has 5 key units: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education.
According national portal of India: “The objectives of the scheme is to impart not only Foundational Literacy and Numeracy but also to cover other components which are necessary for a citizen of 21 st century such as Critical Life Skills (including financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare); Vocational Skills Development (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, technology, culture, sports, and recreation, as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners, such as more advanced material on critical life skills).”
The government has created a mobile application to enhance the reach. Till now, more than 77 lakh people wers benefitted through this initiative. As per latest reports, there are around 1.3 crores of active learners getting training from 35 lakh volunteer teachers through this app.
Sanjay Kumar, secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, formally praised Ladakh on this “significant accomplishment,” affirming the Ministry's support “for enhancing the region's education system.”
During the felicitation program, Dr Mishra also urged students “to aspire beyond job-seeking to job creation.”
